Indonesia Launches Major Crackdown on Illegal Operations After Deadly Floods

Indonesian authorities have launched a sweeping operation against illegal mining and forestry. The move comes after catastrophic flooding on the island of Sumatra killed at least 28 people. Officials directly linked the floods to environmental damage from these illegal activities. They stated that deforestation and unregulated mining worsen natural disasters by destroying landscapes that normally absorb heavy rainfall. The national police and environment ministry are leading the coordinated crackdown. Their targets include illegal gold mining and logging operations across several provinces. Authorities have not specified the number of operations shut down or arrests made. However, they confirmed the campaign is ongoing and will involve the seizure of equipment used in these unlawful practices. The government says this action aims to prevent future disasters and restore degraded land. Environmental experts have long warned that such illegal activities increase Indonesia's vulnerability to floods and landslides.