Government Firmly Protects Raja Ampat, Community Should Not Be Provoked by Misleading Mining Issues
By: Ricky Rinaldi
The issue of nickel mining in the Raja Ampat UNESCO Geopark area continues to be in the spotlight of the national and international public. The Government of the Republic of Indonesia responded firmly and openly, appealing to the public not to be easily provoked by unverified information, especially that which is widely spread through social media. The Raja Ampat area, which has been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023, is one of the national strategic areas that is highly protected due to its high ecological value. The government has designated this area as part of national conservation and made it a priority in sustainable environmental management. In this context, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has revoked the permits of four nickel mining companies that were proven to have violated legal provisions and carried out activities in the geopark area without meeting the applicable administrative and technical requirements.
The revocation of the permits is concrete evidence that the state does not allow illegal mining activities to take place in conservation areas. The government also emphasized that the only mining activity still ongoing on Gag Island is carried out by a state-owned company, PT Gag Nikel, and is outside the geopark area. The company’s operations have gone through a licensing process in accordance with applicable regulations and are under strict supervision. This step shows the government’s commitment to maintaining a balance between the interests of economic development and environmental sustainability. Amid the rapid flow of information, the public is urged to be critical and wise in responding to this issue. The government understands the public’s concerns, but emphasizes the importance of waiting for the results of an official investigation from the relevant ministry so as not to get caught up in one-sided opinions that are not necessarily accurate.
Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI from the PAN Faction, Eddy Soeparno, also made a statement that the public should not immediately believe the narratives that are circulating wildly on social media, especially if they come from foreign parties who do not have an objective interest in the situation in Indonesia. He said that much of the information circulating is emotional and not accompanied by valid evidence. Eddy assessed that if there is indeed a violation of environmental regulations, then the government’s step to revoke the permit of the violating company is appropriate and shows a commitment to protecting conservation areas. He also said that the mining sector is indeed important for national economic growth and job creation, but mining activities that violate the law and endanger the preservation of nature cannot be justified. Eddy encouraged the public to wait for the results of the official investigation and not to spread issues that are not yet clear.
Support for the government’s steps was also conveyed by the Expert Advisor to the Research and Development Center of the Golkar Party, Prof. Henry Indraguna. He said that the accusations against public officials in the Raja Ampat mining case were baseless and tendentious. According to him, the government has acted rationally and proportionally in responding to this polemic. He emphasized that the revocation of permits for four mining companies that were proven to have violated the rules was a decision that showed the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Prof. Henry also considered that the government’s steps were appropriate in distinguishing between legal and illegal mining activities, as well as in conveying information to the public openly. He invited all parties to maintain a conducive atmosphere and not be provoked by narratives that have the potential to worsen the atmosphere.
The government also emphasized that the investigation process into mining activities in the Raja Ampat area is being carried out comprehensively by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources together with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). Teams from the two ministries are verifying data in the field related to alleged administrative violations and potential environmental impacts. If violations of the law are found, the government is committed to taking firm action against the perpetrators, including revoking business licenses and imposing criminal sanctions in accordance with applicable laws. This effort is carried out as a form of state responsibility in maintaining the sustainability of conservation areas that have been recognized internationally.
Meanwhile, the government also continues to pay attention to the sustainability of the economy and the welfare of the local community. In this case, the approach used is balanced and not extreme. The government does not immediately eliminate all economic activities, but ensures that all business activities in the area must comply with the law, have complete licensing documents, and do not damage the environmentn. The government also reminded that natural resource management must be carried out sustainably so that it can be passed on to future generations. Environmental conservation, protection of indigenous peoples, and economic development must go hand in hand.
Therefore, the public is asked not to easily believe emotional narratives that develop on social media. The government appeals to all elements of society to support the ongoing legal process and not to spread issues that are not yet clear. The government also invites community leaders, mass media, academics, and civil organizations to participate in creating a healthy, objective, and responsible information space. Only with cooperation between the government and the community can the preservation of the Raja Ampat area as one of Indonesia’s greatest environmental assets be realized.
The mining issue in Raja Ampat provides an important lesson for all parties that in dealing with environmental and economic problems, caution, openness, and a strong commitment to law and data are needed. The government has shown that its commitment to the environment is not just rhetoric, but is proven through the revocation of permits, strict supervision, and other concrete steps. Now, the shared task is to maintain a conducive atmosphere and ensure that the public narrative is not led by hoaxes or certain interests that want to divide society. Raja Ampat must remain the pride of Indonesia and the world, as a symbol of fair, wise, and sustainable natural resource management.
*) Strategic Issue Observer
