JAKARTA – The government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has stated its commitment to tighten supervision of all nickel mining activities in the Raja Ampat Regency area, Southwest Papua Province.
This step was taken in response to public concerns regarding potential environmental damage and threats to biodiversity in the conservation area.
ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that his party has sent a team of mining inspectors to conduct technical evaluations of all Mining Business Permit Areas (WIUP) operating in Raja Ampat. He emphasized that even though these companies have official permits, evaluations will still be carried out continuously to ensure environmental sustainability.
“The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources emphasizes that all mining activities in Raja Ampat are strictly and transparently monitored,” said Bahlil.
This supervision includes aspects of legality, environmental protection, and compliance with conservation areas and protected forests.
“The evaluation was carried out in accordance with Law Number 27 of 2007 concerning the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands, which requires reclamation to be carried out by considering technical, environmental and social benefits,” said Bahlil.
Amid public scrutiny and pressure from various parties, the government emphasized that industrial policies in conservation areas will be determined transparently, based on data, and by considering all ecological, social, and legal aspects.
“Our commitment is clear: maintaining a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability. Prohibiting it is not forever. For the time being, production activities have been stopped until waiting for the results of the verification review from my team,” Bahlil emphasized.
This monitoring step also received support from the legislature. Chairman of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Saleh Partaonan Daulay, emphasized the importance of preserving the nature of Raja Ampat for future generations. During his working visit to the area, Saleh expressed his concern over the environmental impact of mining activities that have the potential to damage the leading tourist area.
“Don’t let it happen, the company makes a profit, the environment and the surrounding community are damaged. Nature and the environment must be protected for the future of Papuan children,” said Saleh.
In line with this, the Chairman of the Gerindra Party Faction of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Budisatrio Djiwandono, stated that nickel downstreaming as a national strategic project must continue to prioritize the principle of sustainability, especially in areas with high ecological value such as Raja Ampat.
“Raja Ampat cannot be seen solely through the lens of the extractive industry. There are far greater long-term ecological, social, cultural and economic values if the area is managed wisely,” Budisatrio said.
According to him, Raja Ampat is one of the richest centers of marine biodiversity in the world that must be protected together. Therefore, he encouraged the central and regional governments, the DPR, and civil society to work together in overseeing sustainable mining policies.
Currently, there are five mining companies that have permits to operate in the Raja Ampat region. Among them are PT Gag Nikel and PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP) which have obtained permits from the central government, as well as PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP), PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM), and PT Nurham which have obtained permits from the local government. However, Minister Bahlil decided to temporarily suspend PT Gag Nikel’s operations since June 5, 2025 until the evaluation is complete.
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