By: Rivka Mayangsari*)
The firm steps taken by the Government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto in revoking four Mining Business Permits (IUP) in the Raja Ampat region, Southwest Papua, have received widespread appreciation from various groups. This decision is not only a form of law and regulation enforcement, but also emphasizes the state’s commitment to maintaining environmental sustainability and preserving biodiversity in one of the most valuable areas in the world.
Raja Ampat has long been recognized as the center of world marine biodiversity and a very strategic international tourist destination. Since being designated as a National Geopark in 2017 and then recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG) on May 25, 2023, this area has become a symbol of Indonesia’s irreplaceable natural wealth. However, the threat from mining activities, especially nickel mining, has raised great concerns about the destruction of this extraordinary marine ecosystem.
President Prabowo Subianto firmly instructed the revocation of the IUPs of four companies, namely PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining. The decision was officially announced by the Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi in a press conference at the Presidential Office, Jakarta. Prasetyo emphasized that this decision was taken directly by the President after holding a limited meeting with the relevant ministries in Hambalang, West Java.
The government’s courage in revoking this mining permit is clear evidence of its commitment to environmental protection, which has long been a demand of civil society and environmental communities. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia in his statement said that the revocation process was preceded by a thorough investigation involving cross-ministerial coordination, including the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Evaluations were carried out on the legality, environmental impact, and feasibility of the permits that had been issued.
Appreciation came from the Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, Eddy Soeparno, who called this step a historic and fundamental decision in maintaining the sustainability of the Raja Ampat ecosystem. According to him, Raja Ampat is not just a tourist destination, but is a strategic asset of Indonesia that contains extraordinary biodiversity, and therefore must be saved from the threat of damage due to the extractive industry. He emphasized that the President’s decision reflects the seriousness of the state in protecting invaluable ecological assets.
Eddy Soeparno also emphasized that the sustainability of Raja Ampat is not only about national interests, but also Indonesia’s reputation in the eyes of the world. In a global context that increasingly emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and commitment to climate change, this step strengthens Indonesia’s position as a country responsible for environmental preservation. He emphasized that this is a “big bet” and must not fail. According to him, the revocation of the IUP is a real form of moral and political responsibility to protect the future of future generations.
In addition to the four companies whose permits have been revoked, the government has also taken steps to temporarily suspend the activities of PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of PT Antam Tbk. Although the company still holds a valid production permit since 2017 and has an Amdal document, Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said that the company’s operations would be temporarily suspended until verification and review by an independent team. This decision came following pressure from civil society, environmental activists, and the fact that most of PT Gag Nikel’s mining locations are on small islands that are vulnerable to ecological degradation.
Greenpeace has previously revealed that mining on five small islands in Raja Ampat has destroyed more than 500 hectares of forest and threatens 75 percent of the world’s best coral reefs in the area. This ecological impact is very large and has the potential to damage the socio-economic structure of local communities who depend on nature for their livelihoods. These mines are also considered to violate the Law on Coasts and Small Islands, which clearly prohibits extractive activities in areas with high ecological vulnerability.
Furthermore, the revocation of the IUP is also part of the implementation of the environmental governance reform policy that has been initiated since early 2025, one of which is through the issuance of the Presidential Regulation on Forest Area Regulation. This regulation emphasizes the importance of strict supervision of natural resource-based activities that have a major impact on the ecosystem, including mining in sensitive areas.
The government’s decision to revoke mining permits and stop mining activities in Raja Ampat not only has a direct impact on environmental protection, but also sends a strong signal that economic growth must not sacrifice environmental sustainability. Indonesia shows that sustainable development is not just a slogan, but a principle that is applied concretely in strategic decision-making.
Raja Ampat as the crown of the world’s biological wealth deserves comprehensive protection from the state. The government’s courage in facing pressure from industry and short-term economic interests is worthy of appreciation. With this step, Indonesia confirms its position as a country that prioritizes harmony between development and nature conservation for a sustainable future.
*) Environmental Issue Observer
