Medanbisnisdaily.com-Sidikalang. The Diakonia Pelangi Kasih Foundation (YDPK) has reaffirmed its rejection of the planned mining operations of PT Dairi Prima Mineral (PT DPM) in Dairi Regency. The opposition, voiced since 2008, is considered non-negotiable due to the significant threat of ecological disaster looming over the area.

The Advocacy Division of YDPK stated that legally and geographically, the Dairi Regency area, especially Silima Pungga-Pungga District, is unsuitable for mining.

“YDPK asserts that legally and geographically, the Dairi area, particularly Silima Pungga-Pungga District, is completely unfit for mining,” said a representative during a demonstration at the Dairi Regent’s Office on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

According to them, this stance is reinforced by several court rulings that mandate the area’s protection. YDPK also believes the process of revising and amending PT DPM’s Environmental Impact Analysis (AMDAL) is fraught with irregularities and alleged data manipulation.

At least three significant findings were revealed in the company’s AMDAL documents.

First, the 2019 AMDAL document included references to salt ponds and mangrove forests in the Dairi area. In reality, Dairi Regency is a mountainous region far from coastal areas.

Second, the 2022 AMDAL document claimed the company had coordinated with a geologist regarding the Angkol method to ensure mine safety. However, upon confirmation, the named individual denied involvement in the document’s preparation.

Third, the company reportedly claimed it would not build a large tailings dam above ground because it would use the back-filling method, returning waste into underground mine cavities.

“In reality, the back-filling method can only contain about 50 to 60 percent of the waste. The remaining 40 to 50 percent must still be stored above ground, directly on an active earthquake fault line,” the representative explained.

YDPK also outlined three main reasons why PT DPM’s mining activities should be permanently stopped.

First, the mining concession is located in an earthquake-prone area crossed by the active Sumatra fault line, posing a high risk of geological disasters.

Second, the mining activity is deemed to contradict Regional Regulation Number 7 of 2014 concerning the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW). Silima Pungga-Pungga District is a sustainable food agriculture area that cannot be converted.

Third, the potential disaster would not only impact Dairi Regency. If the tailings dam were damaged by an earthquake, at least 11 villages and 57 hamlets could be affected. Environmental damage could even spread to Pakpak Bharat Regency and Subulussalam City, Aceh.

YDPK noted that the people of Silima Pungga-Pungga still carry trauma from past environmental damage events.

In 2012, a waste leak was reported in the area. Meanwhile, in 2018, a flash flood struck the region, killing seven residents.

Given these conditions, YDPK criticized the government, including the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), for not seriously evaluating the various ecological disasters occurring on Sumatra Island.

“The state must allocate up to IDR 101 trillion to address disasters in Sumatra. Is the mining sector’s contribution, which only accounts for about 10 percent of the regional GDP, comparable to the cross-generational environmental damage it causes? Clearly not,” the representative emphasized.

As an alternative development path, YDPK urged the government to focus more on strengthening the agricultural sector, which has long been the community’s livelihood source.

According to them, the mining sector has the potential to damage biodiversity and threaten residents’ livelihoods, while agriculture has proven to be safer, fairer, and more sustainable.

YDPK noted that the agricultural sector contributes approximately 42 percent to the regional

Silima Pungga-Pungga

Silima Pungga-Pungga is a traditional ceremonial site located in the Karo Regency of North Sumatra, Indonesia, associated with the Karo Batak people. Historically, it served as a sacred gathering place for community rituals, including offerings to ancestral spirits and agricultural ceremonies, reflecting the region’s rich animistic and cultural heritage. The site features distinctive stone structures and carvings, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and spiritual realms in Karo tradition.

Dairi Regency

Dairi Regency is a highland region in North Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its picturesque landscapes and the traditional culture of the Pakpak people. Historically, the area was part of the ancient Batak kingdoms and later became a Dutch colonial administrative region. Today, it is a popular destination for eco-tourism, featuring Lake Toba’s western shore and the historic Silalahi Batak traditional village.

Sumatra fault line

The Sumatra fault line is a major geological feature running the length of the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, where the Indo-Australian tectonic plate slides past the Eurasian plate. This strike-slip fault has produced numerous devastating earthquakes throughout history, including the magnitude 9.1 earthquake in 2004 that triggered a catastrophic tsunami. Its activity has shaped the region’s landscape and continues to pose significant seismic hazards for nearby communities.

Pakpak Bharat Regency

Pakpak Bharat Regency is a region in North Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Historically, it is home to the Pakpak people, one of the Batak ethnic groups, who have preserved their unique traditions, language, and customary laws. The area was officially established as a regency in 2003, separating from Dairi Regency to promote local development and cultural preservation.

Subulussalam City

Subulussalam City is a municipality in Aceh Province, Indonesia, located on the island of Sumatra. Established as an autonomous city in 2007 after separating from Aceh Singkil Regency, it is known for its rich natural resources, including forests and mining. The city’s name reflects its cultural heritage, with “Subulussalam” meaning “Path to Peace” in Arabic, highlighting its significance in the region’s history and development.

Aceh

Aceh is a province in Indonesia located on the northern tip of Sumatra, known for its strong Islamic culture and history as a powerful sultanate that resisted colonialism. It was the epicenter of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which led to a peace agreement ending a decades-long separatist conflict. Today, Aceh is the only Indonesian province allowed to implement Sharia law, attracting visitors with its rich heritage, including the iconic Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.

Sumatra Island

Sumatra Island, located in western Indonesia, is the sixth-largest island in the world and has a rich history as a center of ancient kingdoms, such as Srivijaya and the Sultanate of Aceh, which thrived on trade and Islam. It was a major source of spices and resources during the colonial era, attracting European powers like the Dutch and British. Today, it is known for its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes including rainforests and volcanoes, and wildlife like orangutans and tigers.

Dairi Regent’s Office in Sidikalang

The Dairi Regent’s Office in Sidikalang, North Sumatra, serves as the administrative center for the Dairi Regency. Historically, Sidikalang developed as a key town in the highlands, known for its coffee production, and the regent’s office symbolizes local governance since the regency’s establishment in the 1960s. Today, it remains a focal point for regional administration and cultural identity in the predominantly Batak area.