Indonesia revokes permits after Sumatra floods

Indonesia will revoke permits held by 28 resource companies after authorities linked alleged forest misuse to December floods that killed more than a thousand people, and the government plans to restore around 900,000 hectares of seized land to conservation forest.

Indonesia announced it will revoke permits held by 28 resource companies after authorities linked alleged misuse of forest areas to December floods in Sumatra. The permits cover more than one million hectares and include logging, pulpwood plantations, mining and hydropower. Officials said about 900,000 hectares of seized land are planned for restoration to conservation forest. Known actions: - Authorities say 28 companies' permits will be revoked for violations of laws governing activities in forest areas. - The article mentions PT Agincourt Resources (owner of the Martabe Gold Mine) and PT Toba Pulp Lestari among those affected. - Officials reported that roughly 900,000 hectares will be designated for restoration, including nearly 82,000 hectares inside Tesso Nilo National Park. - The Environment Ministry has announced a lawsuit seeking more than $280 million from six companies, and Toba Pulp Lestari has said it is awaiting a written government decision. Summary: The government's moves follow an investigation that linked alleged forest misuse to floods that caused widespread loss of life and damage. Reported developments include legal action by the Environment Ministry and affected companies awaiting formal written decisions from authorities.