Walhi: Company Permit Revocation is Initial Step in Ecological Recovery

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The non-government environmental organization Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (Walhi) has described the government’s revocation of 28 company permits as only the first step toward ecological restoration. The group stressed that follow-up measures are crucial to repairing ecosystems and safeguarding community rights.

Walhi’s Campaign Division Head, Uli Arta Siagian, made the remarks during a discussion with Pro 3 RRI on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. She questioned the government’s commitment to environmental recovery, noting that permit revocation alone does not guarantee restoration. “The revocation of permits does not automatically answer the question of environmental restoration,” Uli said.

She emphasized that recovery efforts must focus on forest ecosystems, rivers, and the protection of vital areas.

Walhi also highlighted the importance of restoring people’s rights by resolving land conflicts. The organization views the momentum created by permit revocation as an opportunity to address disputes in its operating areas.

Uli pointed out irregularities in the revocation process, citing Aceh as an example where several companies suspected of contributing to flooding have not had their permits revoked. She also raised concerns about illegal gold mining in West Sumatra, saying environmental law enforcement has yet to tackle the practice.

Walhi is calling for a comprehensive evaluation of permits to determine appropriate sanctions. “The results of this evaluation will determine permit revocation, recovery charges, or area protection,” Uli said.

Earlier, President Prabowo Subianto revoked 28 permits for companies in the forestry and mining sectors across three disaster-affected provinces: Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. The decision was made through the Forest Area Control Task Force (PKH). (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)