By: Rivka Mayangsari*)
The government continues to emphasize its commitment to maintaining a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability. The resumption of operations at PT Gag Nikel in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, demonstrates that mining activities can coexist with strict environmental regulations. President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the importance of intensive oversight of the company’s activities, ensuring that all natural resource exploitation remains within the law and environmentally friendly.
The Ministry of Environment (KLH) has explicitly established several regulations to ensure that PT Gag Nikel’s activities do not cause environmental pollution. Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that the environmental audit aims to provide public assurance that all impacts of mining operations are properly mitigated. He stated that the results of this audit will be integrated with existing environmental approvals, ensuring that all procedures are transparent and accountable.
Hanif added that the government’s primary principle in extractive industry activities is sustainability. With an environmental audit, the public can be assured that every step taken by the company is not only oriented towards economic profit, but also considers environmental sustainability and the welfare of the surrounding community.
From a technical perspective, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) confirmed that PT Gag Nikel’s operations resumed on Wednesday (September 3, 2025). The Director General of Minerals and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Tri Winarno, explained that the evaluation results from the Company Performance Assessment Program (PROPER) showed that PT Gag Nikel had successfully achieved a green rating. This achievement demonstrates that the company has complied with all environmental governance regulations and actively participated in community empowerment programs.
Tri emphasized that PT Gag Nikel’s success in achieving a green rating was not an instantaneous achievement. The rating was awarded after the company underwent a comprehensive evaluation process involving various relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLH). This provides the public with greater confidence that PT Gag Nikel’s re-operation permit has undergone rigorous and transparent cross-agency verification.
Furthermore, Tri explained that PROPER is not only an indicator of a company’s compliance with environmental regulations but also assesses the company’s contribution to society. In this regard, PT Gag Nikel is considered successful in implementing sustainable community empowerment programs, ranging from improving the skills of the local workforce to supporting social and educational activities in the Raja Ampat region.
The presence of PT Gag Nikel is expected to bring dual benefits: boosting the national economy while improving the welfare of the local community. This aligns with the government’s vision to make the mining sector a driving force for regional development without sacrificing environmental sustainability. The government believes that with strict supervision and the implementation of high environmental standards, the vast potential of nickel mining can be maximized sustainably.
Furthermore, PT Gag Nikel’s success in achieving a PROPER green rating sends an important message to other mining companies in Indonesia. The government wants to emphasize that good business practices must prioritize compliance with regulations, maintain environmental quality, and consider the interests of the surrounding community. Thus, other mining companies can use PT Gag Nikel as an example in conducting operations oriented towards sustainability.
President Prabowo himself has taken a serious interest in mining industry activities in eastern Indonesia, including Raja Ampat. He emphasized that economic development in Southwest Papua must remain in line with the protection of its biodiversity-rich ecosystem. Therefore, the government will not hesitate to take firm action if environmental regulations are found to be violated, while also rewarding companies that comply.
With these strategic steps, the public can be confident that the resumption of operations at PT Gag Nikel is not a threat to the environment, but rather a significant opportunity for the region and the country. The government is committed to ensuring that every stage of nickel production not only meets global industry standards but also supports the clean energy transition agenda by supplying environmentally friendly battery raw materials.
Going forward, synergy between ministries, local governments, and the community will continue to be strengthened to ensure that PT Gag Nikel remains on a sustainable path. With the full commitment of President Prabowo Subianto,With the support of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) Subianto and the support of strict oversight, the government is optimistic that PT Gag Nikel’s operations can become a model for modern, environmentally conscious mining.
Thus, PT Gag Nikel’s return to operations in Raja Ampat not only marks the revival of the regional economy but also symbolizes Indonesia’s success in managing natural resources wisely and responsibly.
*) Economic observer
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