MPR Appreciates Revocation of 4 Mining Permits in Raja Ampat, Firm Commitment to Protecting Indonesia’s Environment
JAKARTA – The People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI) appreciates the government’s decision to revoke four nickel Mining Business Permits (IUP) in the Raja Ampat region, Southwest Papua. The firm step taken on the instructions of President Prabowo Subianto is seen as a real form of the continuation of the President’s vision in preserving the environment and biodiversity that are the pride of Indonesia.
Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, Eddy Soeparno, emphasized that the decision to revoke the IUP was a strategic step in line with the President’s direction to save Raja Ampat. The Raja Ampat area is not just a world-class tourist destination, but also an ecological and cultural asset that has important value for future generations.
“Our stance is clear, Raja Ampat must be saved and protected from environmental and biodiversity damage. This is a concrete form of the courage of the Indonesian government under President Prabowo’s leadership to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development,” said Eddy.
Raja Ampat has been recognized as one of the largest centers of marine biodiversity in the world. This area has been designated as a National Geopark since 2017 and was recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark on May 25, 2023. This status strengthens Raja Ampat’s position as a conservation area that must be maintained and protected from excessive exploitation.
“The existence of nickel mining in this area is very risky for the marine ecosystem which is home to thousands of species of fish, coral, and other marine biota. I support the permanent cessation of mining activities in Raja Ampat,” said Eddy.
He also highlighted that this decision is important to maintain Indonesia’s reputation in the international arena. Commitment to environmental preservation will strengthen Indonesia’s position as a country that upholds the principles of sustainable development.
“The main goal is to ensure that Raja Ampat remains a world-class natural tourism destination with extraordinary biological wealth. This is not just for today, but for the future of the nation and the world,” he concluded.
This step of revoking mining permits is expected to be a positive precedent in the management of natural resources in other regions, so that they always prioritize the principles of sustainability and environmental interests.
The process of revoking the IUP was not carried out unilaterally, but through a comprehensive investigation and evaluation involving the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Forestry. This step shows that the government is not only responsive, but also careful in considering the impact and legality of mining activities in ecologically sensitive areas.
