Toba Pulp Lestari Denies Allegations of Causing Ecological Disaster

Environmental Group Accuses Company of Forest Conversion

PT Toba Pulp Lestari Tbk (INRU), a major pulp company operating in Sumatra, has strongly denied allegations made by the environmental organization WALHI (Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia) that its activities caused the recent ecological disaster in North Sumatra. The allegations surfaced after severe flooding and landslides hit the region, with debris including large logs being carried by the floodwaters.

Multiple Factors Cited in Ecological Damage

WALHI pointed to Toba Pulp Lestari's forest plantation partnership activities in Batang Toru as a primary cause of the disaster. According to Riandra Purba, Executive Director of WALHI North Sumatra, the company's operations led to the conversion of forest land, significantly damaging the local ecosystem. However, the environmental group also highlighted that other factors contributed to the ecological degradation, including the operation of hydropower plants and illegal gold mining activities in the Batang Toru area.

Impact on Local Communities and Environment

The ecological damage has had severe consequences for several districts in North Sumatra, particularly Tapanuli Tengah, Sibolga, and Tapanuli Selatan. WALHI emphasized that the destruction of the ecosystem has disrupted the environmental support systems and capacity, leading to the recent natural disasters. The environmental group called for immediate action to address these issues and prevent future occurrences.

Company's Response and Industry Implications

While Toba Pulp Lestari has denied the allegations, the controversy raises significant concerns about corporate environmental responsibility in Indonesia's natural resource sectors. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing industrial development with environmental conservation in ecologically sensitive regions like Batang Toru, known for its rich biodiversity and critical ecosystem services.