PRIME NEWS POST 

The INDONESIAN (Padang)— Waves of public disappointment and anger from victims of ecological disasters echoed throughout Padang City on Wednesday (3/6/2026). Hundreds of demonstrators, identifying themselves as victims of environmental damage from various regions across West Sumatra, held rallies in front of the West Sumatra Governor’s Office and the West Sumatra Regional Police Headquarters.

The crowd began gathering at around 2:00 PM local time, carrying banners, posters outlining their demands, and loudspeakers to voice their protest against widespread environmental destruction — an issue they assert has caused severe impacts on the community. They highlighted recurring ecological disasters, including floods, landslides, damage to river basins, and the loss of livelihoods for local residents.

During the action, the demonstrators submitted five key demands to the West Sumatra Provincial Government and law enforcement authorities:

First, they urged a complete halt to all illegal logging and illegal mining activities, which are alleged to be among the primary causes of environmental degradation and the rising risk of ecological disasters in the province.

Second, they called on law enforcement officers to take action not only against perpetrators operating on the ground but also to thoroughly investigate and prosecute the masterminds, financial backers, and any parties believed to be behind these illegal activities.

Third, they demanded an investigation into allegations of “protection money” practices, reportedly involving certain individuals in positions of authority to shield activities that damage the environment.

Fourth, they called upon the Governor of West Sumatra to evaluate and dismiss the Head of the West Sumatra Provincial Forestry Service and the Head of the West Sumatra Provincial Environment Service. These officials are deemed to have failed in carrying out their duties of supervision, prevention, and environmental protection.

Fifth, they requested the government to immediately accelerate the disbursement of social assistance for disaster victims and to implement environmental recovery programs that are transparent, accountable, and accurately targeted to those in need.

Public Concerns Received by Provincial Government

At the Governor’s Office, the protesters were received by Mursalim, Head of the West Sumatra National Unity and Politics Agency, accompanied by several local government officials — including the agency heads who were the subject of the evaluation demands.

On this occasion, Mursalim offered an apology on behalf of the Governor and other regional leaders, explaining they could not attend as they were on official duty outside the province.

“We have received all the aspirations conveyed by the community and will forward them to regional leaders for follow-up in accordance with established procedures,” Mursalim stated before the gathering.

Crowd Highlights Alleged “Protection Money” at West Sumatra Police Headquarters

After submitting their demands at the Governor’s Office, the demonstrators proceeded to the West Sumatra Regional Police Headquarters as their second location.

At the main gate, they were welcomed by police representatives accompanied by military police personnel. The police side also apologized for the absence of regional police leadership, who were engaged in official business off-site.

In their speeches, the protesters once again highlighted allegations of “protection money” practices reported in several areas, linking them to environmental destruction activities — including illegal logging and unauthorized mining operations.

In response to these demands, police representatives stated their readiness to follow up on any public report that is supported by verifiable data, information, and evidence.

“If members of the public find evidence of protection money being accepted or involvement by individuals in illegal activities, please file a report. We will take action in accordance with applicable legal provisions,” said the police representative receiving the group.

Environmental Issues Labeled as Urgent Concern

This demonstration reflects growing public anxiety regarding environmental issues, which are considered to be reaching alarming levels in West Sumatra.

For the victims, environmental destruction is no longer merely an ecological problem; it has evolved into a social, economic, and humanitarian crisis that directly affects people’s daily lives and well-being.

The crowd emphasized that their struggle will not end with this single action. They are committed to continuing to monitor law enforcement efforts against those responsible for environmental damage and to overseeing government measures aimed at restoring affected areas.

Participants in the rally expressed their hope that the government and law enforcement bodies will not only listen to public concerns but also take concrete, measurable steps to protect forests, rivers, and living environments across West Sumatra — ensuring that ecological disasters do not recur in the future.

Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper