Ecological Balance Analysis of Batang Toru Forest in North Sumatra After Hydropower Development in 2017 and 2024

The Batang Toru forest conservation area in North Sumatra, where a 510-Megawatt hydroelectric power plant is being built, is controversial because it is located in a tropical rainforest and is home to the endangered Tapanuli orangutan. The hydropower development, which is considered environmentally friendly and has the potential to reduce energy dependence that produces carbon emissions, has also triggered other concerns, especially regarding the impact of development on forest environments that are vulnerable to environmental damage and potential disasters. The results showed that ecological damage due to development did not affect the health of the river, but showed the impact of a decrease in the population of Tapanuli orangutan species from the original 767 species to 400-600 species and a reduction in forest land cover area of around 76950,63 Ha (31.15%). Thus, the aim of this research is to study the post-construction effect of the Batang Toru hydropower plant on the Batang Toru forest ecosystem, including river health as well as the population of protected orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) species within it, and to provide management strategies through SWOT analysis to mitigate the impacts of hydropower development.