Ringkasan Berita:
- Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan vehemently denies any involvement with Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL).
- Jodi Mahardi, Luhut’s spokesperson, urged the public to exercise caution when disseminating unverified information.
- These allegations emerged amidst a significant controversy after North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution expressed readiness to recommend the closure of TPL’s operations, citing its suspected link to recent floods in the province.
Flooring Guide by Cinvex – Wild accusations are once again swirling across digital platforms. This time, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), finds himself at the center of allegations concerning involvement, affiliation, or even outright ownership of the pulp company, PT Toba Pulp Lestari Tbk (TPL/INRU).
These claims rapidly gained traction on social media, sparking widespread speculation amid escalating environmental concerns and a series of natural disasters plaguing North Sumatra.
In swift response to the deluge of accusations, Luhut’s office wasted no time issuing a firm clarification.
Official Statement from DEN: “The Information Is False”
Jodi Mahardi, spokesperson for the Chairman of DEN, unequivocally stated in a press release on Thursday (4/12/2025) that Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has absolutely no connection whatsoever with Toba Pulp Lestari.
“Regarding the various conflicting reports circulating about allegations that Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has involvement or ownership in Toba Pulp Lestari, we hereby issue an official clarification,” Jodi announced.
He further stressed that any claims linking Luhut to the company are unequivocally false and baseless.
“Mr. Luhut does not own, is not affiliated with, and is not involved in any form, whether directly or indirectly, with Toba Pulp Lestari. Every circulating claim constitutes erroneous and unfounded information,” he affirmed.
Call to Uphold Digital Ethics
Jodi also took the opportunity to caution the public against spreading unverified information. He emphasized that ethical conduct in disseminating information is crucial to prevent disinformation, which can tarnish the reputations of individuals and institutions alike.
He added that Luhut consistently adheres to regulations concerning transparency, governmental ethics, and the management of potential conflicts of interest.
“He is always open to factual verification processes and encourages the public to refer to credible sources,” Jodi noted.
TPL Controversy Surges Amidst Major North Sumatra Floods
The controversy surrounding Toba Pulp Lestari has intensified once again, coinciding with devastating major floods that have ravaged North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra. In this dire context, the company has once more become a focal point of public scrutiny.
North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution even declared his readiness to issue a recommendation for the cessation of TPL’s operations, which some parties believe contribute to environmental degradation.
This plan was announced by Bobby after a meeting with representatives from the Ecumenical Movement for Ecological Justice, elements of HKBP, and indigenous communities on November 24, 2025. He was scheduled to sign the recommendation letter on December 1, 2025.
TPL: Awaiting Official Copy of Closure Recommendation
Despite the growing intensity of the issue, Toba Pulp Lestari management asserts that they have yet to receive an official copy of the closure recommendation from the Governor. They conveyed this statement to the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), confirming that the process remains in its drafting stages.
According to the company, the finalization of the recommendation will only proceed after the Governor completes a comprehensive evaluation of the company’s operations in the districts where TPL operates.
As of Wednesday (3/12/2025), the company reiterated that no official copy had been received, indicating that discussions regarding the proposed plan are still ongoing.
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(TribunTrends/Part of the article adapted from TribunMedan)
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Summary
Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has vehemently denied any involvement, affiliation, or ownership in PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL). His spokesperson, Jodi Mahardi, officially clarified that claims linking Luhut to the company are “unequivocally false and baseless.” Mahardi urged the public to exercise caution when disseminating unverified information.
These allegations gained traction amidst significant controversy after North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution expressed readiness to recommend TPL’s closure, citing its suspected link to recent floods. However, TPL management has stated they have not yet received an official copy of any closure recommendation. The company confirmed the process remains in its drafting stages, pending a comprehensive operational evaluation.