An Ecological Disaster, Not Just a Weather Event

A wave of grief once again blankets the island of Sumatra. Within a short span of time, North Sumatra (Sumut), West Sumatra (Sumbar), and Aceh have simultaneously been declared disaster emergency zones. Recent reports indicate that over 11 districts/cities are now ravaged by flash floods, galodo (cold lava floods), and landslides, claiming dozens of lives and forcing tens of thousands of residents to abandon their homes. Infrastructure, from bridges to major cross-provincial roads, is completely severed. However, amidst the chaos of evacuation and loss assessment, the public narrative must not be trapped in simplification: that this is merely the wrath of nature or just a common “extreme weather” phenomenon.

Meteorological data confirms extremely high rainfall, but extreme rain is merely the trigger, not the root cause. The deluge pouring down from the hills carries tangible evidence: large logs swept away are not just debris; they are silent witnesses to the appalling state of land governance and brutal deforestation practices. These consecutive disasters reflect a serious failure in safeguarding River Basins (DAS) and upstream areas, which have now been converted into uncontrolled monoculture plantations, mining sites, and settlements. Sumatra is not currently facing a natural disaster; it is reaping an ecological disaster sown by decades of exploitative policies. Therefore, the required solution is not just a rapid post-disaster response, but a total evaluation of forest utilization permits and the restoration of degraded environments.

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Essay Framework: The Call to Action Against Deforestation

The following points should be developed to fulfill the main message: “Do not destroy the forests.”

I. Dismantling the “Normal Natural Disaster” Narrative: Data and Ground Reality

• The Critical Point: Explain how river overflows and landslides in the 11+ affected districts (e.g., mention specific examples like Agam, Tanah Datar, Padang, Aceh Tamiang, Tapanuli) show a consistent disaster pattern.
• Visual Evidence: Analyze the visual of the large logs: This is the primary differentiation between seasonal flooding and devastating flash floods/galodo. These logs originate from forests that should serve as water buffers.
• Historical Comparison: Compare the current situation with disasters from 10–20 years ago. The frequency and intensity of flash floods are increasing in line with the high rate of deforestation.

II. Identifying the Root Problem: Who is Responsible?

• Upstream and Watershed Degradation: Explain the function of forests (River Basins/DAS) as natural sponges. When forests are lost, the soil’s capacity to absorb water drastically drops, causing water to run off as destructive surface runoff.
• Environmental Crime: Focus on the rampant practice of illegal logging and large-scale land conversion into palm oil plantations or mining (IUP). Cite criticism from WALHI or other environmental organizations that point to large corporations.
• Spatial Planning Failure: Critique local government policies in granting permits (HGU/License) that disregard the environment’s carrying capacity. Settlements are constructed in designated red zones.

III. Long-Term Impact: More Than Just Material Loss

• Economic Impact: The losses are not only infrastructural (billions of Rupiah) but also severely affect the agricultural sector and the livelihoods of local communities. Explain how the floods ruin rice fields and plantations, which are primary sources of income.
• Health & Social Crisis: Discuss the impact on displaced persons, the risk of post-disaster diseases (Diarrhea, ARI/ISPA), and the psychological trauma experienced by children and families.

IV. Structural and Urgent Solutions: The Ecological Rescue Movement

• Ecological Restoration: This means more than just planting ordinary trees, but rather the proper restoration of the forest ecosystem in upstream areas.
• Firm Law Enforcement: Urging police and law enforcement officials to thoroughly investigate those responsible for the logs, including revoking permits of corporations proven to be in violation.
• Spatial Planning Revision: Pressing provincial and district governments to revise their Regional Spatial Plans (RTRW) to prioritize environmental sustainability over mere investment.

Conclusion

Sumatra will continue to be plagued by deadly disasters if its forests and ecosystems are treated merely as commodities that can be sacrificed. This is a call to action, not just for empathy.

How many more LIVES will be lost and what material cost must be borne?