Raja Ampat — The government has demonstrated a firm commitment to ensuring that mining activities in the Raja Ampat conservation area, Southwest Papua, do not threaten the biodiversity that is the pride of Indonesia and the world.
In recent days, a number of concrete steps have been taken by the Central Government and Regional Governments to respond to public concerns regarding the activities of five nickel mining companies in the area.
While directly reviewing the mining activities of PT Gag Nikel, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized that all mining activities on Gag Island, Kawe, Manuran, Batang Pele, and Manyaifun are under strict supervision.
“I came here to see the situation on the ground firsthand and listen to the community. The results will be verified and analyzed by the mining inspector team,” Bahlil said.
It has ensured that legal aspects, environmental protection, and compliance with conservation areas and protected forests are the main benchmarks in mining management. The government is open to public input and is ready to follow up on reports with concrete technical actions.
“Industrial activities must go hand in hand with environmental preservation and the welfare of local communities,” Bahlil added.
Support for the government’s policy also came from the Indonesian House of Representatives. Gerindra Party Faction Chairman Budisatrio Djiwandono emphasized the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of mining activities in areas with high ecological value such as Raja Ampat.
Industrial policies in areas with high ecological value such as this must go through a strict evaluation process by the central and regional governments, with supervision from the DPR, and active involvement of the local community.
“The commitment of the Gerindra Party Faction is very clear: development must continue, but the principle of sustainability must also be upheld. We urge all parties, both government, business actors, and civil society, to work together to maintain Raja Ampat as an ecological asset and the pride of the nation,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Southwest Papua, Elisa Kambu, stated that the local government had conducted a direct inspection of the mining site, especially PT Gag Nikel on Gag Island. From the results of the review, his party ensured that environmental conditions were still maintained.
“According to the results of our monitoring, it is safe. So the information or rumors circulating in the media are not true. We see that the sea is still blue, they [the company] are also reclamating the excavation site and there is reforestation. Everything is still good, especially for Gag Island,” explained Elisa.
Elisa also emphasized that the local government will not allow investments to harm the community or damage the environment.
“The Raja Ampat nature is a temporary trust from our children and grandchildren. Investments must not damage the environment. That is why collaboration between all parties is needed,” he said.
This collaborative step by the central and regional governments shows that Indonesia is serious about preserving Raja Ampat, not only as a world tourist destination, but also as a symbol of national commitment to sustainable development. A comprehensive and transparent evaluation is real evidence that environmental issues are now a priority in every national strategic policy-making.
