Jakarta, 2 December 2025 — PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR) expresses its deepest condolences to the families of all victims affected by the flash flood and landslides in Batang Toru Sub-district, South Tapanuli. Our prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and all communities impacted by this tragedy.
In response to media coverage, PTAR has reviewed public narratives suggesting a link between the disaster in South Tapanuli and the operations of the Martabe Gold Mine.
Our findings indicate that directly attributing the Garoga flash flood to the Martabe Gold Mine’s operations is premature and inaccurate. Based on field data and observed facts, the event can be summarized as follows:
- Cyclone Senyar triggered exceptionally intense rainfall across South Tapanuli. The rainfall was extreme and, statistically, represents a maximum event not recorded in at least the past 50 years (Figure 1). This extraordinary rainfall was widespread across northern Sumatra, including the Batang Toru Forest—an upstream area feeding major rivers in Batang Toru Sub-district, such as the Garoga River (Aek Garoga), Aek Pahu, and the Batang Toru River.
- The flash flood originated primarily in Garoga Village, located within the Garoga Sub-Watershed (Sub-DAS Garoga), and subsequently affected nearby villages including Huta Godang, Batu Horing, Sitinjak, and Aek Ngadol (Figure 2, red-boxed area).
- The disaster was driven by the Garoga River’s inability to carry the flood mass, exacerbated by severe blockages of large logs at Garoga I Bridge and Anggoli Bridge (Garoga II). The blockage reached a critical point at around 10:00 a.m. on 25 November, causing an abrupt change in river flow. As a result, two Garoga tributaries merged into a new channel that surged directly into Garoga Village. To date, dozens of fatalities have been reported, and dozens more remain missing. These figures may rise in the coming days.
- PTAR operates within the Aek Pahu Sub-Watershed, which is hydrologically separate from the Garoga Watershed (Figure 2). While the two rivers converge, the confluence is far downstream of Garoga Village and continues toward Sumatra’s west coast. Accordingly, PTAR’s activities in the Aek Pahu watershed are not directly related to the Garoga event.
- Although landslides were observed in parts of the Aek Pahu Sub-Watershed, no flash-flood phenomenon occurred along this river system. Unlike the Garoga River, there was no evidence of intensive mudflow and log transport in Aek Pahu that could trigger large-scale blockages. Fifteen (15) Ring-1 villages—most of which lie within the Aek Pahu Sub-Watershed—did not experience significant impact and are currently serving as evacuation hubs.
- Further investigation through helicopter-based aerial observation upstream of the Garoga River strengthens the assessment of the flood’s source. Within the Garoga Sub-Watershed, aerial evidence indicates widespread landslides along the Garoga riverbanks, including within protected forest areas. These landslides appear to be the direct source of much of the sediment and timber found in the Garoga River. However, these remain early indications; further study is required to identify other potential contributing factors comprehensively.
- PTAR has acted as a first responder from day one, supporting search and rescue (SAR) operations, reopening access routes, and establishing evacuation posts equipped with emergency tents, public kitchens, and community clinics. Together with local government, TNI–Polri, and other stakeholders, PTAR continues to mobilize all available resources to ease the burden on affected communities. This collective effort is essential to minimizing casualties and accelerating post-disaster recovery.
- PTAR is part of the Batang Toru and South Tapanuli community. In all operations, PTAR complies with applicable laws and permits, particularly those relating to environmental protection. Mining activities at the Martabe Gold Mine are conducted entirely within Areal Penggunaan Lain (APL) areas, outside the Batang Toru forest zone. Throughout its operations, PTAR has consistently supported environmental protection initiatives—including water, air, and soil conservation—and has further advanced biodiversity conservation through collaboration with national and global institutions.
Recognizing the public’s deep concern over this disaster, PTAR encourages all parties to prioritize collaboration, clear communication, and responsible information management—so public discourse does not, intentionally or unintentionally, evolve into narratives that are inaccurate, counterproductive, and harmful to relief and recovery efforts.
At the same time, PTAR fully supports a comprehensive and independent assessment to produce accurate conclusions—an essential foundation for mitigating future disaster risks.
