By: Andhika Rachma *)
The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has emphasized that there will be no new mining permits issued in the Raja Ampat area, Southwest Papua. This statement is a response to public concerns and a wave of rejection from civil society and environmental activists who believe that conservation areas such as Raja Ampat should be strictly protected from extractive activities.
Raja Ampat, known as one of the areas with the highest marine biodiversity in the world, has long been a global conservation icon as well as a national pride in the ecotourism and environmental preservation sectors. The government’s commitment to maintaining this status is reinforced by a firm stance that this area will not be sacrificed for mining exploitation.
In an official statement, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia stated that no new mining business permits (IUP) have been issued for the Raja Ampat area, either through Government Regulation (PP) Number 25 of 2024 or its derivative policies. This affirmation is important to reduce the confusion of information circulating in the public, including concerns about the entry of mining investments that could threaten the ecological integrity of the area.
The government also ensures that all policies concerning the management of natural resources continue to prioritize the principles of sustainability and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples who have lived in the area for generations.
Controversy regarding the potential for opening a mine in Raja Ampat had emerged along with the issuance of a new policy that gave authority to religious organizations to manage mining areas. Although this policy does not explicitly mention Raja Ampat, public concerns arose due to the potential for expanding the interpretation of the area that could be exploited by certain parties to open new land.
The government stated that the Raja Ampat area has currently been designated as a marine and land conservation area based on national and international regulations, so that legally it is not possible to issue new mining permits in the area.
As an area that has received recognition from UNESCO and is part of the Coral Triangle Initiative, Raja Ampat plays a strategic role in global efforts to overcome the climate crisis and maintain the resilience of marine ecosystems.
The existence of endemic species, coral reefs, and the social system of indigenous communities that are in harmony with nature make this area a living laboratory for the study of biodiversity and climate change. Therefore, the government realizes that opening up space for mining in areas such as Raja Ampat would be a step backward that would harm Indonesia’s international commitment to maintaining environmental sustainability.
The regional government of Southwest Papua has also voiced its rejection of the possibility of opening new mines. The local governor and regent emphasized that they would not provide recommendations or approval for any form of mining exploitation in Raja Ampat. This statement shows the synergy between the central and regional governments in maintaining the sustainability of this area.
The voices of indigenous communities who are members of various customary councils and local institutions have also consistently rejected exploitation that could damage their ancestral heritage. For them, the land, sea, and nature in Raja Ampat are not only sources of life, but also part of their cultural identity that cannot be separated.
On the other hand, environmental activists and academics are pushing the government to go further by issuing a permanent moratorium on all forms of mining in Raja Ampat. They believe that as long as there are loopholes in the regulations, the potential for threats to the environment will continue to exist.
Member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives, Mufti Anam, emphasized that mining permits should no longer be issued in Raja Ampat, because small islands with rich ecosystems are prohibited for mining. The government was also asked to strengthen supervision and clarify the zoning map of protected areas so that there is no overlap with destructive economic interests. This step is considered crucial to provide legal certainty and protect social and cultural investments that have been built by the community and government in maintaining Raja Ampat as a sustainable tourist destination.
The government’s firm stance has also received appreciation from the international community. Various world environmental organizations such as WWF, Conservation International, and the Coral Triangle Center welcomed the affirmation that Raja Ampat will not be opened for mining activities.
The government and all stakeholders are expected to continue to strengthen synergy in the management of the Raja Ampat area. Education andEmpowering local communities, increasing the capacity of environmental monitoring officers, and promoting community-based ecotourism must be a priority so that communities do not only become environmental guardians, but also the main beneficiaries of the sustainability of the area.
With this step, the Indonesian government reaffirms that economic development does not have to be at odds with preserving nature. Raja Ampat is a symbol of the success of harmony between humans and the environment. And by not granting new mining permits in this area, the government shows that siding with the environment and indigenous peoples is still the main foundation of national development policy. In the future, a firm stance like this needs to be expanded to other vulnerable areas so that all of Indonesia’s natural wealth can be protected for future generations.
)* Strategic Issue Policy Observer
