Ministry of Environment Pursues Fines from 1,369 Companies Responsible for Disasters

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry is accelerating the enforcement of fine sanctions against 1,369 companies in 14 provinces suspected of violating environmental regulations and contributing to the occurrence of disasters. This step is being taken alongside the evaluation of mining activities in various regions, including against 185 companies in South Kalimantan. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that the government has identified around 185 mining activities in South Kalimantan, both licensed and illegal, to be matched with their environmental approval documents. He explained that some cases have entered the civil realm through environmental lawsuits. On the other hand, there are also business actors who have fulfilled their obligations by paying fines to the state. “Some have already settled their obligations through payments, so to date, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has deposited Rp1.5 trillion to the state from various similar activities,” Hanif said during a working visit in Martapura, Banjar Regency, on Monday (20/4). The Ministry of Environment and Forestry is also continuing to conduct field evaluations involving expert teams to ensure compliance with environmental governance, especially during the rainy season which has the potential to exacerbate environmental damage impacts. According to Hanif, the results of the evaluation of illegal mining will later be coordinated with local governments and related ministries to be followed up according to their respective authorities. In addition, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry is investigating the possible connection between mining activities and flood incidents affecting several villages. That process is being handled by the environmental law enforcement team. “The law enforcement steps are focused on collecting fines and environmental restoration obligations from violating companies, to suppress the impact of damage that contributes to disasters such as floods in several areas,” said Minister Hanif. Through these efforts, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry targets increased compliance from business actors and ensures that the environmental restoration process runs effectively, so that future disaster risks can be reduced.