On 17 August, a report titled "The Chinese Dam Threatening the World’s Most Endangered Ape" was published by Inside Climate News, detailing various aspects of human rights violations surrounding the Batang Toru hydropower project owned by Chinese companies, including intimitation of activists against the project, death of climate activate Golfrid Siregar, and wildlife migrations caused by the construction project, which led to impacts on livelihoods of local villagers.

Inside Climate News reached out to SDIC Power, North Sumatera Hydro Energy and companies owning the dam for comment regarding the threats received by activists and death of Golfrid Siregar. No response was received.

The Business and Human Rights Resource Center reached out to SDIC Power, China Exim and Sinohydro for comment regarding the impacts on local livelihoods caused by wildlife migrations. They did not respond.