Friday, 01 May 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ Environmental experts are raising alarms over the Batang Toru ecosystem's high vulnerability to disasters driven by climate change and human activity.
The North Sumatra Regional Forestry Forum (FKD) recently organized a discussion titled "North Sumatra Provincial Spatial Planning with a Focus on Batang Toru: Disaster Prevention and Sustainability" to explore concrete protection strategies for the area.
Strengthening Disaster Preparedness
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Panut Hadisiswoyo, Director of Green Justice Indonesia (GJI), emphasized that the forum aims to enhance ecological disaster preparedness.
"We consider all aspects of spatial planning – from ecology and biodiversity to disaster prevention and forest management – as the foundation for long-term protection," he said on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Batang Toru as a National Strategic Protection Area
Panut called for Batang Toru to be designated as a National Strategic Protection Area (KSN) to enable coordinated action between central and regional authorities. He argued that Batang Toru meets KSN criteria, including ecological resilience and biodiversity value, despite some critics claiming KSN applies only to multi-regional areas.
"This view is not entirely accurate. In terms of resilience, ecosystem functions, and biodiversity, Batang Toru meets all the indicators for a KSN," he explained. He hopes the government will recognize the area as a strategic ecological landscape at the national level to strengthen integrated protection measures.
Red Zones and No-Rebuild Policy
Academician Onrizal from the University of North Sumatra advocated for the establishment of high-risk zones with a strict no-rebuild policy in vulnerable areas. Resident relocations must be conducted as comprehensive "life packages," including legal land access, transport, water, electricity, and income opportunities.
"Relocations must not lead to poverty. Access to jobs, public services, and clear grievance mechanisms must be guaranteed," he stressed.
He added that the government should prioritize hotspots in sub-watersheds and densely populated river corridors while improving slope stabilization, sediment control, and drainage systems.
Accelerating Strategic Assessments and Spatial Plans
Onrizal also highlighted the need for stricter implementation of Strategic Environmental Assessments (KLHS) and detailed spatial plans (RDTR). KLHS should define clear risk limits, while RDTR regulates building permits down to the site level to prevent construction in risk zones.
"By clearly defining rules, locations, and implementation, we can significantly reduce risk within 36 months. This is the measure of success," he said. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati
