Following the deadly flooding that struck Sumatra, the government is now auditing 100 businesses from Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

According to Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, the whole process could take up one year, and the initial focus will be on those believed to have had a significant impact.

100 Companies to Undergo Audit Over Sumatra Floods

The Environment Minister said that the important audits will be completed as early as March, according to a report by ANTARA News.

He likewise stressed that the audits are being conducted to determine the appropriate sanctions that will be given to businesses who are found to have had an impact on the disaster.

"Whether it's a criminal approach, a civil lawsuit, or administrative sanctions imposed by the government. So, the Environment Ministry will pursue three multi-dose sanctions," he said.

It has likewise been noted that an audit has already been conducted in the Batang Toru River Basin (DAS) area in North Sumatra in relation to the flooding. 

The Cost of Recovering From Sumatra Floods

The cyclone-induced flooding in Sumatra have killed more than 1,000 people, according to the Human Initiative. Data also shows that more than 186,000 houses have sustained damage, and approximately 1.1 million people were displaced as a result.

In its report, Reuters notes that government officials estimated that around Rp 51.82 trillion (US$3.11 billion) will be needed for reconstruction and recovery.

Recovery and restoration efforts have already been started by the Indonesian government. According to a separate ANTARA News report, Rp11 billion (US$659,000) have already been set aside to fund the restoration of cultural sites that have been damaged by the flooding.

Culture Minister Fadli Zon said that the government continues to identify sites that have been damaged by the flooding. As of writing, the number has now exceeded 100.