Appreciating President Prabowo’s Firm Steps to Stop Nickel Mining, Preserving the Beauty of Raja Ampat
By Galena Indah Pratiwi )*
President Prabowo Subianto’s swift and decisive action to revoke four Mining Business Permits (IUP) in the Raja Ampat area, Southwest Papua, is a real manifestation of the government’s commitment to preserving the environment and Indonesia’s natural resources. In a limited meeting held in Hambalang, Bogor Regency, President Prabowo together with related ministers stated that the revocation of the permits was not just an administrative policy, but was part of a strategic effort to protect one of the most beautiful and biodiversity-rich marine conservation areas in the world.
This decision came after the government conducted an in-depth study of nickel mining activities carried out by four companies in the Raja Ampat Geopark area. This area has long been known as a world underwater paradise with pristine coral reefs, unique marine species, and clear waters that attract tourists from all over the world. Mining activities in this area not only threaten the sustainability of the marine ecosystem, but also have the potential to damage the ecological heritage that is very valuable to the nation and humanity as a whole.
Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi explained that President Prabowo’s decision was based on the collection of data and information in the field that was carried out objectively. The government is trying to understand the overall impact of mining on the Raja Ampat area before making such a major decision. With the revocation of this permit, President Prabowo emphasized that economic development must not sacrifice environmental sustainability and the future of future generations.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, emphasized that the process of controlling nickel mining companies in Raja Ampat had been ongoing since the previous week. Coordination was carried out with the Cabinet Secretariat to follow up on the President’s direction. Bahlil emphasized the importance of strict supervision of the Environmental Impact Analysis (AMDAL) and reclamation of post-mining areas. There is no room for mining activities that ignore the protection of coral reefs and marine biota in strategic areas such as Raja Ampat.
The temporary suspension of production from all IUPs operating in the area is the beginning of a more decisive action: revocation of permits. This action was taken after the government confirmed that mining activities had violated the principles of environmental sustainability and were not in line with the vision of sustainable development initiated by the government.
This step has received wide appreciation from various parties, including the legislative circles. Deputy Chair of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Putri Zulkifli Hasan, stated that President Prabowo’s decision was a form of firm and visionary leadership. She considered that the revocation of the IUP reflected the President’s quick response to public aspirations demanding protection of the national strategic area. Raja Ampat, according to her, does not only belong to the Papuan people, but is a world ecological asset that must be protected with full moral and constitutional responsibility.
The decision also sends a strong message to the world that Indonesia is serious about preserving its ecological heritage. In a global context, where many countries face pressures between economic growth and environmental sustainability, Indonesia shows that both can go hand in hand with wise policy-making based on scientific data.
It is undeniable that the challenges in managing natural resources always present a dilemma between exploitation and conservation. However, President Prabowo’s policy is an important turning point for natural resource management in Indonesia, that short-term economic benefits should not be paid for with long-term environmental damage. Areas such as Raja Ampat must be protected to the maximum because of their vital role as centers of global marine biodiversity and as a source of life for local communities who depend on sustainable tourism and fisheries for their livelihoods.
Furthermore, this decision is expected to be a precedent in the formulation of environmental and mining policies in the future. The central and regional governments must work together to formulate spatial planning that is more in favor of environmental sustainability. Evaluation of all mining business permits in environmentally vulnerable areas must be carried out comprehensively. This is important so that there are no more legal loopholes or weaknesses in supervision that are exploited to damage Indonesia’s nature.
President Prabowo has shown that environmental support is not a symbol, but rather a real, firm and courageous action. Amidst the pressure of economic interests, the decision to revoke four nickel mining permits in Raja Ampat is an important step in building an ecologically sovereign Indonesia. This is also a call to all stakeholders—both local governments, business actors, and civil society—to work together to preserve Indonesia’s nature so that it remains sustainable and becomes the pride of the world.
With this decision, the direction of development under President Prabowo’s leadership began to show the character of a policy based on a balance between growth and sustainability. Not only to answer today’s challenges, but also to ensure that future generations can still enjoy the beauty of Raja Ampat as they do today. Indonesia needs more bold decisions like this so that abundant natural resources do not become a curse, but a lasting blessing.
)* The author is a Public Policy Observer
