By: Adriana Mambrasar*
President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to revoke four Mining Business Permits (IUP) in the Raja Ampat area, Southwest Papua, is clear evidence of the government’s strong commitment to preserving the environment and the integrity of Indonesia’s conservation areas. This step reflects a leadership vision that supports sustainability, and shows that Indonesia’s economic development will remain based on the principle of ecological responsibility.
Raja Ampat is not just an administrative area. It is a natural masterpiece that has been recognized by the world as one of the largest centers of marine biodiversity on earth. Saving Raja Ampat means saving the future of the nation’s generations. So when President Prabowo firmly instructed the revocation of mining business permits that are not in accordance with conservation principles, he was actually emphasizing the direction of national development that is just and sustainable. President Prabowo emphasized that economic activities should not be carried out at the expense of environmental sustainability and the welfare of local communities.
The President led the limited meeting that resulted in this strategic decision. Through cross-ministerial coordination and full support from the Minister of State Secretary, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the government ensures that conservation areas such as Raja Ampat will not be compromised by activities that do not meet environmental sustainability standards.
ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized that the revocation was carried out through a comprehensive and measurable evaluation process, based on technical, administrative, and environmental aspects. Several previously licensed locations turned out to be in geopark zones and areas with high sensitivity to ecological damage. In addition, the review process also involved input from local communities and regional figures, which are important elements in decision-making based on social justice and local wisdom.
The government has also implemented this policy in accordance with the legal corridor through the implementation of Presidential Regulation Number 5 of 2025 concerning Forest Area Regulation. This policy is an important milestone in improving the national mining sector to be more environmentally friendly and transparent. Mining business permits must meet strict requirements, including AMDAL and RKAB documents. If they do not meet these criteria, the state has the right and obligation to carry out regulation.
This firm step has received wide appreciation from various circles. Deputy Chairman of the MPR Eddy Soeparno welcomed the decision as a real manifestation of President Prabowo’s support for the long-term interests of the nation. According to Eddy, Raja Ampat is a national treasure that must be protected and Prabowo’s decision reflects the government’s firm stance not to tolerate activities that damage the environment. He emphasized that Indonesia’s natural wealth should not be sacrificed for short-term gain. Raja Ampat, as a symbol of national beauty and biological wealth, must be preserved in its entirety as God’s legacy that is the face of Indonesia in the eyes of the world.
Deputy Chairman of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Bambang Haryadi, said that the revocation of the IUP was a form of political courage that reflected visionary leadership. According to him, President Prabowo showed that the state is present to ensure a balance between development and environmental protection. He added that this decision is an important milestone in affirming Indonesia’s position as a country that prioritizes sustainable development in the midst of the global energy transition era.
The government has also prepared further steps after the IUP revocation. Supervision will be tightened, reclamation and environmental restoration standards will be enforced, and sensitive areas will receive full protection. Thus, not only will the threat be eliminated, but the hope for the regrowth of protected areas will continue to be strengthened.
This step is a form of synergy between national political policies and the hopes of grassroots communities. President Prabowo shows that the state listens to the voice of the people and moves quickly to respond to every aspiration with concrete actions. This is an example of how development can be carried out without destroying nature, how growth can be achieved without sacrificing the environment.
The revocation of the IUP is also a message to the world that Indonesia is serious about maintaining its commitment to green development. Amid global pressure to meet the needs of strategic minerals such as nickel, Indonesia continues to put ecological ethics at the forefront. This country will not trade the beauty and sustainability of Raja Ampat for short-term economic value.
In addition to having a positive impact on environmental sustainability, the revocation of the IUP is also a strategic step in maintaining Indonesia’s international reputation. This step emphasizes Indonesia’s position as a country committed to sustainable development and environmental protection.
Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the direction of Indonesia’s development is increasingly clear: economically advanced, socially just, and environmentally sustainable. This decision is proof that Indonesia is not only building, but also preserving. Raja Ampat remains a shining pearl of the archipelago under the protection of the state, for an Indonesia that is balanced between progress and sustainability.
In the future, this step can be a model for protecting other strategic areas in Indonesia. The government, together with the community, academics, and the business world, will continue to build a healthy development ecosystem where the balance between nature and humans is not just an ideal, but a reality that is maintained together. Because in fact, protecting Raja Ampat means protecting the soul of Indonesia.
*The author is an environmental journalist and water conservation observer
