Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Environmental degradation has worsened the impact of the deadly floods and landslides that struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra on 25 November 2025, Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya said on Wednesday (3/12/2025) in Jakarta. 

He said that the government is investigating how damaged forest areas contributed to the disaster that killed 804 people and left 634 missing.

“Beyond extreme weather, environmental destruction clearly amplified the scale of this tragedy,” Secretary Teddy said, as quoted by antaranews.com

He explained that the government is conducting a full review while continuing evacuation and relief operations. 

Indonesian National Police (INP) Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo confirmed coordination with the Ministry of Forestry after large, machine-cut logs were found across affected areas, prompting a joint investigation into possible legal violations. The Forest Area Enforcement Task Force has also begun tracing the origins of the timber and logs using satellite imagery.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)