JAKARTA – The government has taken firm steps to preserve the environment by revoking four Mining Business Permits (IUP) operating in the Raja Ampat region, Southwest Papua. This policy was officially announced by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), as part of a national commitment to protect the Raja Ampat marine and tropical forest conservation area, known as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi explained that through President Prabowo’s direction regarding mining business permits in Raja Ampat Regency, it was decided that the revocation of mining business permits for four companies operating in the area would be carried out by the government.
“The President led a limited meeting, one of which discussed mining business permits in Raja Ampat Regency. Under his direction, the government decided to revoke mining business permits belonging to four companies in the area,” he said.
The four revoked IUPs operate in highly ecologically sensitive areas. The government decided on this step in order to preserve the environment and respect the cultural values and rights of indigenous communities who depend on nature.
Previously, the Minister of Environment (LH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said that his party would review the permits of several nickel mining companies in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. The 4 companies are PT Gag Nikel (GN), PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP), PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM), and PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP).
“So we said that we should review the environmental approval or we might consider giving it, if first we don’t have the handling technology or then we don’t have the capacity to rehabilitate,” said Hanif.
Meanwhile, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia explained, the Government promises to carry out ecological rehabilitation in former mining areas and ensure that affected communities receive sustainable socio-economic assistance.
“Environmental restoration and community empowerment will go hand in hand. This is a new chapter in the direction of Indonesia’s development that is more sustainable and supports environmental conservation,” he said.
The government’s firm steps in revoking four IUPs in the Raja Ampat region reflect a strong commitment to preserving the environment and protecting areas that are very ecologically sensitive. This decision was taken on the direct direction of President Prabowo as a form of state responsibility in maintaining the ecosystem and sustainable development in eastern Indonesia.
This policy also confirms the direction of national development that is increasingly oriented towards the principles of sustainability and conservation, especially in eastern Indonesia which is rich in biodiversity.
