Jakarta — The government has officially revoked four mining business permits (IUP) that have been operating on Gag Island, Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua Province. This decision was taken after a thorough study, both in terms of legality and its impact on the environment.
Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi revealed that the decision was taken after President Prabowo Subianto held a limited meeting with related ministers to collect information and field data objectively.
“On the instructions of the President, he decided that the government will revoke mining business permits for four companies in Raja Ampat Regency,” said Prasetyo.
He added that since January 2025 the government has issued a presidential regulation regarding the regulation of forest areas and businesses based on the use of natural resources. In this context, the issue in Raja Ampat is a national priority as a form of the President’s seriousness in responding to public aspirations regarding environmental sustainability.
“Since January 2025, the government has issued a Presidential Regulation regarding the regulation of forest areas, including businesses that utilize natural resources, and this step reflects the government’s consistency in enforcing the rules,” said Prasetyo.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, added that the revocation of the IUP was based on a number of technical and ecological considerations. One of them is because part of the mining area is included in the protected area of the Raja Ampat Geopark, a conservation area protected by law.
“The first environmental reason for the revocation was based on what was conveyed by the Minister of Environment (Hanif Faisol Nurofiq) because the permit was proven to violate environmental protection provisions as conveyed by the Minister of Environment, and the results of field verification strengthened the need for protection of the area,” explained Bahlil.
He also revealed that this decision was not taken unilaterally. The government also involved local governments and community leaders in the decision-making process.
“The President has a special and serious concern to keep Raja Ampat as a world tourism destination, and for the sustainability of our country,” said Bahlil.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Bambang Haryadi, said that the government’s steps in revoking mining permits in Raja Ampat were a form of political courage and real support for environmental sustainability.
“I, on behalf of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, express my highest gratitude and appreciation to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto,” said Bambang.
According to him, President Prabowo’s decision shows that the state is present and on the side of Indonesia’s ecological future. He assessed that the President is not merely pursuing short-term economic gain.
“This is proof that the President hears the voice of the people, sides with environmental sustainability, and places the long-term interests of the nation above momentary economic interests,” added Bambang.
“This step is a strong message that the President wants Indonesia to advance in the natural resources sector while still prioritizing the principle of caution towards environmental sustainability,” he concluded.
This decision is a breath of fresh air for the future of conservation in Indonesia and a reflection of sustainable natural resource management under President Prabowo’s leadership, especially in the Raja Ampat region, known as one of the world’s marine biodiversity paradises. The government has demonstrated its commitment to managing natural resources with the principles of sustainability and compliance with environmental laws.
