Non-compliant Spatial Planning Worsens Disasters in Sumatra, Says Ministry

Non-compliance with spatial planning is significantly worsening the impact of hydrometeorological disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, according to Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). The ministry indicates that the mismatch between land use and the environment's carrying capacity is a key factor behind the severity of these events.

Sigit Relianto, Deputy for Environmental and Sustainable Resources Spatial Planning at KLHK, stated that the ministry's analysis reveals considerable environmental pressure in these three provinces, even though their overall population carrying capacity remains adequate. "These provinces' carrying capacity and capacity are actually still sufficient," Sigit said during a discussion with journalists in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 21, 2026).

KLHK calculations show Aceh has a carrying capacity for approximately 14.41 million people, with a current population of about 5.48 million. North Sumatra can support around 23.65 million people, compared to its current population of 15.39 million. West Sumatra has a capacity for about 8.8 million, with a population of roughly 5.7 million. However, Sigit cautioned that these figures do not necessarily reflect good environmental quality. Water availability analysis indicates low levels, and coastal areas, crucial for food security, are also under pressure.

Relianto highlighted that coastal regions in Aceh and North Sumatra show signs of ecosystem damage, diminishing their ability to support community food security. KLHK integrated various spatial data, including ecosystem maps and protected areas, to assess land-use suitability. The findings indicate that approximately 59.23 percent of Aceh's territory is not aligned with its environmental carrying capacity. In North Sumatra, this figure stands at 32.14 percent, and in West Sumatra, it is 41.67 percent.

Based on these findings, KLHK has submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Agraria and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) for evaluation and improvement of spatial plans. The recommendations categorize areas into three management types: 'avoid,' 'minimize,' and 'restore.' The 'avoid' category designates areas where new development should cease. In Aceh, this applies to about 88,000 hectares of cultivation land; in North Sumatra, it's around 172,000 hectares; and in West Sumatra, about 61,000 hectares. The 'minimize' category includes areas suitable for use but with restricted activities to lessen environmental strain.

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These provinces' carrying capacity and capacity are actually still sufficient