JAKARTA – The government has revoked four Mining Business Permits (IUP) operating in the Raja Ampat Regency area, Southwest Papua. This step shows the government’s quick response to the results of a cross-ministerial investigation that found potential environmental damage in the conservation area, while also accommodating the aspirations of the public who care about the sustainability of Raja Ampat.
Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi in a press conference at the Presidential Office, emphasized that this decision is a form of state concern for the voice of the people and environmental sustainability.
“The President has decided that the government will revoke the Mining Business Permits for four companies in Raja Ampat Regency,” said Prasetyo.
Furthermore, Prasetyo appreciated the role of civil society, including environmental activists and netizens, who actively provided input regarding the negative impacts of mining activities on the Raja Ampat ecosystem. Community involvement in monitoring public policy as one of the important pillars of a healthy democracy.
“We would like to thank the public, especially those who actively voiced this issue on social media. These aspirations are a strong basis for the President to commission an in-depth investigation,” Prasetyo explained.
The investigation was conducted through cross-ministerial coordination, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Forestry. As a result, four companies (PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Nurham) were found to have violated environmental regulations and operated within the Raja Ampat Geopark area.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized that the mining permits were issued by the regional government in 2004 and 2006, long before the Raja Ampat Geopark was designated as a high-status conservation area.
“We revoked the four IUPs because they were proven to have committed environmental violations and were located in a national strategic tourism area. Although the permits were issued before the Geopark was established, the government is now acting firmly for the sake of long-term interests,” Bahlil explained.
Of the five mines operating in the area, only PT Gag Nikel’s permit was not revoked because it has a Work Contract (KK) status and was issued by the central government. Bahlil also said that this decision also took into account recommendations from the Raja Ampat Regency Government and the West Papua Province.
The government’s firm move has received support from various parties. Secretary General of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) who is also the General Chairperson of the Indonesian Energy, Coal, and Mineral Suppliers Association (ASPEBINDO), Anggawira, assessed the policy as a form of responsible leadership.
“The Minister’s direct visit to the field shows that the state is present and listening to the people’s voices. This is not anti-investment, but natural selection for investors who are serious, law-abiding, and committed to sustainability,” said Anggawira.
He emphasized the importance of involving indigenous peoples and implementing the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in every mining activity in sensitive areas. He saw the decision to revoke the IUP as a strategic step in strengthening a healthy, fair, and sustainable investment climate in the mining sector.
“Economic development and environmental preservation can go hand in hand as long as they are carried out with the principles of sustainability and transparency. This is our commitment towards a green economic transition,” he concluded.
With the revocation of these four IUPs, the government shows that national development must not sacrifice the natural heritage that is the pride of the world. Raja Ampat will continue to be maintained as a conservation area and a world-famous icon of Indonesian marine tourism.
