President Prabowo Subianto has ordered that the permits of 28 mining, forestry, and plantation firms be revoked following the deadly Sumatra floods late last year.

These firms are discovered to have violated regulations and caused environmental damage.

Indonesia Revokes Permits of 28 Firms

According to a report by Jakarta Globe, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi made the announcement at the Presidential Palace.

Prasetyo noted that the decision was made during an online meeting involving several ministries, agencies, and the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force. Prabowo, who is currently in the United Kingdom, chaired the meeting.

"Based on the findings reported by the task force, the president decided to revoke the licenses of 28 companies that were proven to have breached regulations,” the State Secretary said.

Among the firms whose licenses have been revoked are 22 firms with forestry permits, which allowed them to operate on approximately 1 million hectares of forest land.

According to CNA, the other six companies include a mining company as well as hydroelectric power plant developer.

Related Article: Indonesia to Pay Daily Wages to Farmers in Disaster-Hit Sumatra Rice Fields

The Deadly Sumatra Floods

the flooding that affected three provinces late last year killed more than 1,000 people. The government, along with experts and environmentalists, have blamed the destruction on deforestation.

Damage to Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have been widespread, and recovery and rehabilitation efforts are still ongoing.

The government previously filed a lawsuit against six firms it accuses of causing environmental damage that led to the floodings. Per reports, the government is seeking compensation worth Rp 4.8 trillion ($283.9 million).

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