Government’s Strategic Steps to Tightly Monitor Mining for the Sustainability of Raja Ampat
By Damar Wicaksana )*
Raja Ampat, an area known as an underwater paradise with the highest biodiversity in the world, is now in the spotlight in national discourse as part of the government’s attention to preserving the area amidst mining activities. The government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has emphasized its commitment to conducting strict supervision of all mining activities in the Raja Ampat area, Southwest Papua. This step was taken as part of the state’s responsibility to maintain a balance between economic interests and environmental sustainability, especially in strategic conservation areas.
ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said that currently there are five mining companies that have official permits to operate in the Raja Ampat area. One of the concerns is PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of PT Antam Tbk, which has been carrying out nickel mining activities on Gag Island. The government ensures that all activities are carried out under strict supervision. Strict evaluations are carried out on all Mining Business Permit Areas (WIUP) to ensure that each operation is in accordance with applicable regulations and does not cause damage to the area’s ecosystem.
In maintaining the fragile coastal and small island ecosystems, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources refers to Law Number 27 of 2007 and Law Number 1 of 2014 concerning Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands. This law mandates that reclamation and resource exploitation activities must consider technical benefits, environmental impacts, and social aspects of the surrounding community. A comprehensive evaluation is carried out not only in terms of the legality of the permit, but also on the long-term environmental impacts and social acceptance of the local community.
Minister Bahlil himself has made a direct visit to the mining location, listened to the aspirations of the community, and sent a team of mine inspectors to analyze operational activities technically. The government ensures that verification of mining activities is carried out with the principles of transparency and accountability. This is in line with efforts to maintain environmental sustainability which is one of the national priorities.
The government’s firm steps in conducting a temporary evaluation of nickel mining activities in this area have received support from various groups. Secretary General of the Golkar Party DPP Muhammad Sarmuji appreciated Minister Bahlil’s decision which was considered in line with the spirit of protecting conservation areas. According to him, Raja Ampat is an area crossed by the equator and contains a protected seascape with the richest marine biodiversity in the world. Management of resources in this area, he added, must prioritize the principles of conservation and long-term sustainability.
Sarmuji emphasized that the management of natural resources in areas such as Raja Ampat cannot be equated with other industrial areas. The ecological value contained in this area is very high and unique, and the government makes it a primary consideration in every policy. Therefore, strict evaluation and supervision steps from the government should be supported by all stakeholders, including the DPR, local governments, and civil society. Marine conservation and sustainable management must be the main foundation of development policies in this area.
Similar support was also conveyed by the Chairman of the Gerindra Party Faction of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Budisatrio Djiwandono. He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat, starting from licensing aspects, environmental impacts, to protection of the sustainability of local communities. This is because nickel downstreaming, which is part of the national industrial strategy, is still carried out with a precautionary principle to be in line with ecological and social values in areas with high conservation status such as Raja Ampat.
According to Budisatrio, the success of national development is not only measured by how much production and exports are achieved, but also by how much this nation is able to preserve natural and cultural heritage for future generations. Therefore, every industrial policy in the ecological area must go through a strict evaluation process by the Central and Regional Governments, with active supervision from parliament, involvement of local communities, and a strong commitment from the Central Government.
The affirmation from these national political figures shows that concern for Raja Ampat is not only the sectoral responsibility of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, but is a cross-sectoral issue that requires collaboration and collective commitment. With a holistic and integrative approach, mining supervision in the Raja Ampat conservation area is an example of how the state is present to ensure that development does not sacrifice local nature and culture.
The government realizes that Raja Ampat is not only Indonesia’s property, but also a world asset that must be protected. Therefore, all forms of economic activity in this area must be in line with the principles of sustainable development and must not damage the ecological integrity of the region. The establishment of marine conservation areas and protected forests is a real and consistent step by the government in protecting the future of the environment.
The government’s steps in strictly monitoring mining in the Raja Ampat conservation area reflect a policy direction that is oriented towards caution, sustainability, and balance. Direct reviews, the formation of evaluation teams, and the active involvement of various parties show seriousness in protecting the area from the threat of ecological damage. This firmness must continue to be monitored so that it does not become a momentary policy, but rather a paradigm in the entire national development process, especially in areas with extraordinary natural wealth such as Raja Ampat.
)* the author is an environmental policy observer
