RAJA AMPAT — The Government of the Republic of Indonesia, under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, continues to strengthen protection efforts for the Raja Ampat conservation area in Southwest Papua.
One concrete measure already taken is the revocation of mining business permits (IUP) from four mining companies deemed to have the potential to damage environmental sustainability.
This step is a tangible demonstration of the state’s commitment to preserving a strategic national and global ecosystem.
“Under the President’s directive, he has decided that the government will revoke the IUPs of four companies in Raja Ampat Regency,” affirmed Minister of State Secretariat, Prasetyo Hadi.
He added that this decision was made as an effort to safeguard the Raja Ampat geopark area, ensuring it remains sustainable and free from irresponsible exploitation.
Responding to this, Deputy Chair of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Bambang Haryadi, welcomed President Prabowo Subianto’s decision positively.
He described the revocation of the IUPs from the four mining companies in Raja Ampat as a sign of political courage and a clear commitment to environmental preservation.
“This is proof that the President listens to the people’s voice, sides with environmental sustainability, and prioritizes the long-term interests of the nation over short-term economic gains,” said Bambang.
According to him, the revocation of permits in the conservation area is not an end but rather the beginning of a new national commitment to ecological restoration.
He also emphasized that Raja Ampat is indeed a global ecological asset that must continuously be preserved.
“This move sends a strong message that the President wants Indonesia to advance its natural resource sector while upholding the principle of caution in protecting the environment,” he asserted.
Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, added that the government continues to monitor the conditions in Raja Ampat and is making various policy adjustments in a much more adaptive manner.
“We will act adaptively to ensure the sustainability of tourism that balances economic, ecological, and local cultural interests,” she explained.
Widiyanti affirmed that iconic spots such as Manta Point and Cape Kri remain open and now serve as economic pillars for the local communities.
The government is also strengthening synergy across sectors involving the military-police forces, customary leaders, and local governments to safeguard the conservation area as a world eco-tourism heritage.
All of these efforts are concrete proof that the government is continuously enhancing protection measures for the Raja Ampat conservation area. (*)
