By: Daniel Rumbarar*
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every form of investment in strategic areas such as Raja Ampat goes hand in hand with environmental conservation efforts. In this context, there is no compromise between economic development and nature conservation. Raja Ampat, as an icon of marine biodiversity and a world-class tourist destination, is a real example that responsible investment can synergize with environmental protection. Through an integrated approach between related ministries, the government ensures that every business permit issued, especially in the mining sector, has gone through a strict evaluation process so as not to disrupt the existing ecosystem.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia explained that the location of the nickel mine of PT GAG Nikel, a subsidiary of PT ANTAM Tbk, is around 30 to 40 kilometers from the main tourist area of Raja Ampat. He emphasized that although Raja Ampat is a national priority destination and a world marine conservation area, the area also includes zones that have been allocated for mining, while maintaining the principles of spatial planning and sustainable management.
Data shows that of the five Mining Business Permit (IUP) holders in Raja Ampat, only PT GAG Nikel is actively operating. The company has started production since 2017 and is fully operational in 2018, with a production target of three million tons per year. The government considers that the management of the mine by this national company is a form of state effort in optimizing mineral resources responsibly, while reducing foreign dominance in the strategic sector.
The Ministry of Tourism specifically reminded that every form of industrial development, especially those classified as extractive such as mining, must comply with the principles of sustainable tourism. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said that mining activities in areas adjacent to the UNESCO Global Geopark Raja Ampat will continue to be carefully evaluated. This is because this area not only holds geopark status, but is also a center of marine biodiversity and a national conservation area.
The Ministry of Tourism emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial dialogue forums to align cross-sector policies. The whole-of-government approach is key to ensuring that economic development through investment does not conflict with conservation commitments. The government also ensured that it would re-evaluate mining permits in sensitive zones, so that the direction of tourism development is not compromised by momentary interests.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa added that Raja Ampat’s natural tourism potential has high value in attracting quality tourists—those who are willing to pay more for exclusive experiences based on nature and culture. Therefore, maintaining the natural beauty of Raja Ampat is a long-term investment for the local and national economy. She hopes that this area will not be intervened excessively so that it can be passed on to future generations in an intact and sustainable condition.
The West Papua Provincial Government also took active steps by directly reviewing the mining operations of PT GAG Nikel on Gag Island. Governor Elisa Kambu said that based on direct observation, mining activities on Gag Island were still in a safe corridor and well-managed. The sea remains blue, reforestation is carried out, and post-mining reclamation has been carried out. This, according to her, shows that not all issues developing in the media reflect real conditions on the ground.
Governor Kambu emphasized that investment is only worth continuing if it brings real benefits to local communities without sacrificing the environment. He emphasized the need for synergy between the government, indigenous communities, and industry managers to ensure that development is carried out within a sustainable framework. He also emphasized that the local government will be proactive in ensuring that every industrial practice truly provides benefits to the community and preserves the environment.
Furthermore, Governor Kambu said that the main challenge is to ensure that the limited authority of the regional government does not hinder supervision. He hopes that the central government will pay special attention to Raja Ampat as a national asset that belongs not only to Indonesia, but also to the world.
The evaluative steps taken by the central government, such as the temporary suspension of four mining companies by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, are indicators that the state is serious about environmental preservation.
Raja Ampat has a uniqueness that cannot be found anywhere else and this is the approach that is currently being consistently implemented by the government. With the highest marine biodiversity in the world, this area is not only a paradise for scientists and nature lovers, but also a meeting point between the blue economy and conservation. Therefore, the direction of development in this region must be based on the philosophy that the best investment is one that is made to protect nature, empower local communities, and preserve cultural heritage.
The government continues to strengthen strategic steps in managing strategic areas such as Raja Ampat. The courage to balance economic growth and environmental preservation will be a reflection of the vision of sustainable national development. If successful, Raja Ampat will not only remain the pearl of the archipelago, but also become a world role model in harmoniously combining conservation and investment.
*The author is an observer of spatial planning and regional conservation
