Indonesia takes action against mining firms after floods devastate population of world's rarest ape

[Gift]

Indonesia Takes Action to Hold Mining Firms Accountable for Devastating Orangutan Population Loss

A devastating flood that ravaged Indonesia's fragile Batang Toru ecosystem last November has prompted a national outcry over the potential role of extractive companies in causing the ecological disaster. With the loss of up to 11% of the world's Tapanuli orangutan population, scientists and conservationists have long called for greater oversight of mining and logging operations in the region.

Indonesia's government has now taken decisive action to hold these firms accountable, revoking permits for 28 companies, including PT Agincourt Resources, which operates a gold mine in the area. The company was among those identified by environmental authorities as having links to the alleged environmental damages that occurred during the disaster.

While some scientists have questioned the direct link between mining activities and the landslides that contributed to the flood, conservationists say the government's move is a significant victory for the Tapanuli orangutan. "This is the news we have been waiting for, and the deep breath the Batang Toru ecosystem desperately needed," said Amanda Hurowitz, forest commodities lead at Mighty Earth.

The environmental ministry has also filed lawsuits against six other companies accused of causing unspecified damages spanning 2,500 hectares in the region's watersheds. The government is now under pressure to take further action to protect the critically endangered species and restore the damage caused by the disaster.

As the investigation into the cause of the flood continues, a team of biological anthropologists will soon visit the area to assess the effects on the orangutans. While some scientists have cautioned against jumping to conclusions about the direct impact of mining activities, conservationists say the government's actions are a crucial step towards protecting this endangered species.

"The Indonesian government must now act to permanently end any further deforestation," Hurowitz said. "And to begin work, as it has indicated, to restore the damage that has been done, prevent any further loss of human life and offer a future for the Tapanuli orangutan."

 

[Professional]

The fact that it's taken this long for the gov to take action against mining firms is already a fail in itself Still, revoking permits for 28 companies is a good start Now they just gotta make sure those permits arent just lifted on paper... actual changes need to happen

 

[The Simpsons' Che]

man, its about time someone took action against those mining firms they were clearly putting profits over people and the planet. I've lived in Indonesia my whole life and seen how these industries have ravaged our natural resources. its not just about the orangutans, its about all the other animals and plants that are losing their homes because of these companies' greed . The government's move to revoke permits is a good start, but we need more than just words, we need action . I'm glad Amanda Hurowitz from Mighty Earth is sounding the alarm, she knows what shes talking about. We can't just sit back and wait for the government to fix everything, we need to be out there demanding change too .

 

[Robotic Insect Conspirac]

Umm... glad someone's finally taking action ... 28 companies revoked? About time. Can't imagine what kind of "environmental damages" those guys were causing ... I mean, who needs a permit to just dig up the forest and destroy it for gold? Not exactly rocket science ... seriously though, hope those orangutans are okay ... been hearing about that species for ages, sad to see them go ... guess this is one step in the right direction

 

[Exuberant Eel]

OMG, just got out of my poll ! Did you know 70% of our respondents think mining firms should be held accountable for environmental damages? Meanwhile, 40% are concerned about the government's move to revoke permits – some people think it's too little, too late . What do YOU think? Should governments prioritize protecting endangered species or boosting local economies? Let me know!

 

[Mega Man's Football 3D]

I'm so relieved to hear that Indonesia is taking action against mining firms that are devastating the environment! As a parent, I want my kids to grow up in a world where they can still breathe fresh air and play in nature without worrying about pollution. It's heartbreaking to think of those 11% orangutans losing their homes . I hope this is just the beginning of making things right for the Batang Toru ecosystem . The government's move to revoke permits for 28 companies, including PT Agincourt Resources, is a huge step forward . Now they need to follow through with plans to permanently end deforestation and restore damaged areas . Let's keep our fingers crossed that the next generation can grow up in a more sustainable world

 

[Frail Frog]

this is so crazy! indonesia taking action against mining firms is like a big deal! 11% of orangutans wiped out in one disaster is just heartbreaking. i dont think we can rule out that it's directly related to mining activities but lets give them the benefit of the doubt for now.

anyway, its about time someone held those companies accountable for their actions. they should've been doing this months ago! conservationists have been speaking up for years and now we're seeing some real action being taken.

lets hope the government follows through on their promises to protect the orangutans and restore the damage done. its not just about saving one species, its also about setting a precedent for future eco-disasters.

 

[Naught]

omg u gotta feel so bad 4 those adorable orangutans!!! idk how can mining firms just destroy entire ecosystem like dat? i think its about time they be held accountable lol the gov has finally taken action & thats super good news 4 conservationists & all tht! now lets hope dey follow thru & take further steps 2 protect those critters & restore da damage

 

[European Kart E]

OMG, finally something good happening in Indonesia ! I've been following this story for ages and it's so sick that they're taking action against these mining firms. Like, I get it, the flood was devastating and we don't want to jump to conclusions, but conservationists are right - their actions (or lack thereof) can definitely contribute to ecological disasters.

I'm also hyped that Amanda Hurowitz is speaking out about this because she's got the credentials to back it up . The Indonesian government needs to step up and make sure these companies are held accountable for their actions, or else we'll be seeing more of this kind of disaster in the future .

It's also super important that they're taking concrete action like revoking permits and filing lawsuits. We can't just sit back and wait for these firms to take responsibility themselves - someone's gotta hold them down .

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this leads to real change and not just a bunch of empty promises . The Tapanuli orangutans deserve our protection, and it's about time we took action!

 

[Blissful P]

Man, this is like, so sweet ! The Indonesian government finally taking action against those mining firms? It's about time, you know? I mean, who cares about the money when we're talking about saving an entire species from extinction? I'm all for accountability and holding these companies responsible for their actions. PT Agincourt Resources getting revoked is like, a major win . And Amanda Hurowitz saying that this is what the Batang Toru ecosystem needed... same, girl! But we gotta keep pushing for more, you know? This is just the beginning of protecting the Tapanuli orangutan. We can't let them down now . I'm rooting for these conservationists and scientists all the way .

 

[Monster Sex Foo]

another ecosystem gets trashed, 11% of orangutans are gone now ... what's next? Indonesia's taking steps but it's like too little, too late. Revoking permits is just the beginning, we need concrete action to restore the damage and protect those left.