By: Elias Mandacan *)
PT Gag Nikel resumed operations on Gag Island, Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, in early September 2025, after being temporarily suspended last June. The government has established a number of strict regulations to ensure that mining activities do not have a negative impact on the environment. President Prabowo Subianto also issued specific instructions to relevant ministries to conduct more intensive monitoring and environmental audits to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem in the area.
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq explained that environmental audits are not merely administrative procedures, but rather a form of government affirmation to ensure the public that potential impacts from mining activities can be controlled. He stated that President Prabowo wants the mining sector to be regulated seriously. Therefore, the frequency of inspections, which used to be every six months, has now been shortened to every two months. This means that the government is present to ensure that all mining activities are carried out according to regulations without causing pollution.
This policy demonstrates the government’s response to public aspirations and ensures that environmental interests are always protected. In fact, strict regulations and increased oversight are the answer to frequent criticisms regarding natural resource exploitation. Gag Island itself is a small area with high ecological value, making the mitigation measures designed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry a crucial instrument for maintaining a balance between economic development and nature conservation.
One form of mitigation now required is the construction of a layered settling pond to prevent rainwater runoff from the mining area from entering rivers or the sea. Hanif emphasized that this technical design aims to prevent sedimentation and water turbidity, which could disrupt the Raja Ampat marine ecosystem. The government also requires the installation of air quality control stations to ensure emissions remain below quality standards. This policy emphasizes that every operating permit must be accompanied by measurable environmental responsibilities.
In addition to environmental oversight, the government also assesses PT Gag Nikel’s compliance through the Company Performance Rating Assessment Program (PROPER). The Director General of Minerals and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Tri Winarno, stated that the mining company has received a green rating. This achievement demonstrates that the company not only meets environmental management standards but also implements community empowerment programs around the mining area. With these achievements, the government considers PT Gag Nikel fit to resume operations.
The government’s decision to allow PT Gag Nikel to resume operations was not a hasty move. Tri Winarno explained that the evaluation process was conducted across ministries, involving the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. This inter-agency synergy ensures that no environmental or social aspects are neglected. The government strives to ensure that mineral resources can be utilized for the national interest, while maintaining a high level of prudence.
The government remains open to input from various parties but emphasizes that concrete mitigation measures have been implemented. Rather than allowing mining activities to proceed unchecked, the government has strengthened oversight mechanisms and established more precise technical standards. This way, environmental protection aspirations remain a key policy priority, without sacrificing national development needs, which require a supply of nickel.
Amidst global competition, nickel is a strategic commodity to support the energy transition, particularly as a raw material for electric vehicle batteries. Indonesia, with the world’s largest nickel reserves, certainly has an interest in utilizing them wisely. The government is committed to ensuring that every mining operation is oriented not only toward short-term economic profit but also provides sustainable benefits for the surrounding community. This aligns with President Prabowo’s directive, which places a balance between environmental and development interests as a key policy pillar.
The fact that PT Gag Nikel has achieved a green PROPER rating reinforces confidence that the company is capable of adapting to the demands of new, stricter regulations. Meanwhile, the government has demonstrated a firm stance by revoking the permits of four other mining companies in Raja Ampat found to be operating in protected areas. This decision sends a strong signal that only companies that comply with environmental regulations and are capable of protecting the environment will be allowed to operate.
Increased monitoring, every two months, also ensures that evaluations are carried out continuously, not momentarily. If any indications are found,
