The government continues the investigation into allegations that mining activities may have contributed to the devastating floods and landslides that struck parts of South Tapanuli, North Sumatra in recent weeks, even as the operator of the Martabe gold mine firmly rejects claims that its operations played a role in the disaster.

Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister BahlilLahadalia said authorities are reviewing potential impacts of mining concessions across affected regions, including areas where the Martabe mine operates. While initial findings in West Sumatra show no link between mining activities and the disaster, assessments in North Sumatra and Aceh are still underway.

“We are carrying out checks in Aceh. In North Sumatra, our evaluation team is still conducting assessments,” Bahlil told reporters at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

“Once the team completes its work, then I will conclude whether mining activities contributed to the impacts or not.”

He emphasized that the government will not hesitate to impose sanctions on companies found violating environmental or operational regulations.

“If there are mining companies or permit holders operating outside of regulatory standards, we will take strict action,” he asserted.

Specifically addressing public claims that the Martabe gold mine may have triggered the flash floods in Garoga village, Bahlil said the ministry is conducting an on-site review.

“I visited the Martabe site myself. The river near the mine is actually the smallest of the three major waterways in the area,” he said, noting that the flooding occurred along a different, larger river channel.

“Our team continues evaluating conditions there. Only after they finish can we draw conclusions,” Bahlil cited.

Rebuttal

PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR), the operator of the Martabemine, issued a detailed rebuttal to the mining-related allegations circulating on social media and in several media reports.

In a written statement released on Friday, December 5, 2025, the company described the accusations as “premature and inaccurate,” citing field observations and hydrological data gathered in the aftermath of the floods.

According to PTAR, the disaster was primarily triggered by Senyar Cyclone, which brought extreme rainfall unmatched in at least 50 years. The rain fell uniformly across northern Sumatra, including the Batang Toru forest, the upstream region feeding major rivers such as Aek Garoga, Aek Pahu, and the Batang Toru river system.

PTAR operates in the Aek Pahu sub-watershed, hydrologically separate from the Garoga basin and located downstream from the affected villages.

“No flash-flood phenomena were recorded along the AekPahu river, which did not carry the heavy mud and large timber as seen in the Garoga river,” PTAR said.

The company noted that 15 villages around the mine site located in the Aek Pahu basin experienced no major impacts and are currently functioning as evacuation centers.

Aerial observations conducted via helicopter revealed multiple landslides along the Garoga river, including in protected forest zones, which PTAR said contributed substantial debris into the river system. The company stressed that these findings remain preliminary and require independent confirmation.

PTAR said it has been part of the first-responder group, deploying heavy equipment, establishing emergency shelters, field kitchens, and community clinics, and assisting joint SAR operations with local authorities and the Indonesian Military and National Police.

“PTAR is part of the Batang Toru and South Tapanuli community. We comply with all environmental regulations and operate entirely within non-forest zones,” the company stated.

The company urged the public and media to avoid spreading unverified claims, arguing that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.

Meanwhile, the government has yet to issue a formal conclusion on the cause of the disaster. Bahlil reiterated the need for comprehensive, evidence-based assessments.

“We fully support independent studies to determine the right conclusions. This is vital for future disaster mitigation,” Bahlilsaid.