By: Rebecca Marian )*
President Prabowo Subianto has shown a very real commitment to all people in Indonesia, especially those in Bumi Cenderawasih and the environment through an important decision, namely revoking four nickel Mining Business Permits (IUPs) in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua.
This action is not just an administrative policy, but also a manifestation of a leadership vision that continues to be based on the principles of ecological justice and sustainable natural resource management.
This step then succeeded in triggering many waves of appreciation from various groups, ranging from parliament, academics, to political communication experts. They view this policy as an important turning point in the government’s efforts to reorganize the national mining sector which has often been polluted by gray practices and momentary interests.
A member of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the Golkar Party Faction, Doni Akbar, assessed that the revocation of the IUPs had in fact become a strategic momentum to reform natural resource management.
He emphasized that President Prabowo’s decision illustrates the state’s attitude that continues to side with the future of the people, not just short-term economic gain.
Doni Akbar also saw that areas such as Raja Ampat, which are a crossroads between ecological and economic interests, must be protected from exploitation that damages conservation values and local wisdom.
Doni emphasized that the state must be present to resolve the protracted polemics in sensitive areas such as Raja Ampat. He sees the government’s decision as a form of leadership that is not just discourse, but is actually present amidst the interests of the Papuan people and environmental sustainability.
In that context, Raja Ampat is seen as an irreplaceable world asset that requires maximum protection. He also stated that support for investment does not mean allowing environmental damage to continue, but rather encouraging investment that is ecologically aware and respects local values.
Political communication expert Bawono Kumoro also provided an in-depth analysis of the policy. He views the decision to revoke the permit as not merely a reaction to public pressure or criticism from civil society organizations. According to him, President Prabowo’s decision reflects a new direction in the national natural resource management strategy that is more measurable and responsible.
Bawono assessed the government’s steps as a form of state assertiveness against exploitation activities that are not in accordance with their designation, especially in conservation areas such as Raja Ampat.
He believes that the government should no longer be permissive towards violations that have the potential to permanently damage the environment. In this case, the state must act as the main controller, not a facilitator of the narrow interests of a handful of capital owners.
Similar appreciation was also conveyed by Ali, an environmental policy analyst. He assessed that President Prabowo’s decision reflects the real application of the principle of sustainable development, not just political jargon.
The government through Presidential Regulation Number 5 of 2025 concerning Forest Area Regulation has even taken steps before this issue emerged on social media, indicating that the state is working proactively, not reactively.
Ali highlighted that many mining practices so far have often hidden behind investment narratives but ignore legal regulations and damage the environment. He considered that the revocation of the four IUPs not only resolved the licensing problem, but also became an important precedent for strengthening the governance of the mining sector nationally.
Furthermore, Ali viewed the government’s decision to continue to allow PT Gag Nikel to operate as a proportional step. He emphasized that the company had met all legal requirements and was outside the Geopark area, so it could be an example of how the business world should operate under clear rules.
In this case, the government showed that its commitment was not to reject investment, but rather to encourage responsible investment and uphold the principle of sustainability.
The policy of revoking problematic IUPs in Raja Ampat actually sends a strong message to all stakeholders. President Prabowo Subianto is not only carrying out administrative obligations, but also forming a new direction for national leadership that dares to take a stand for the long-term good.
The restructuring of the mining sector by revoking permits that violate regulations is a signal that Indonesia is moving towards an era of fair and sustainable natural resource management.
Raja Ampat is not only an area with high biodiversity value, but also a symbol of responsibilitythe state’s responsibility in preserving ecological heritage. The decision to revoke the four IUPs is also a reminder that economic development cannot continue at the expense of the environment and the future of future generations. Within the broad framework of the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, this policy is an important foundation that emphasizes that civilized development must be in line with ecological justice.
In the future, comprehensive supervision and evaluation of all mining permits in conservation areas and small islands need to be carried out. The government has an obligation not only to revoke permits that violate, but also to build a monitoring system that can prevent damage early on. President Prabowo has paved the way, and the public hopes that firm steps like this will become a new standard in the direction of national development. (*)
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Jakarta
