By: Sabby Kosay
President Prabowo Subianto has taken a bold and strategic step in his ongoing effort to preserve the environment by revoking four Mining Business Permits (IUP) in the Raja Ampat region of Southwest Papua.
This decision not only reflects the government’s assertiveness in regulating the exploitation of natural resources, but also demonstrates a deep commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and Indonesia’s natural heritage.
The move signals that national leadership is no longer focused solely on short-term economic calculations but is increasingly oriented toward environmental sustainability and social justice for local communities.
The President is fully aware of the ecological damage threatening conservation areas—especially Raja Ampat, which is globally recognized as one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world.
This decision was the result of cross-ministerial coordination involving the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and other relevant technical ministries.
Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, revealed that President Prabowo personally chaired a limited cabinet meeting to assess and verify field data before making the final decision. An objective, data-driven approach served as the core foundation for this permit revocation policy.
In response to this decision, Deputy Chair of Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Nurdin Halid, expressed full appreciation for the President’s action. He said the revocation of mining permits in conservation zones is clear evidence of the state’s commitment to ecosystem preservation and the protection of local communities’ rights.
He argued that the presence of mining industries in areas like Raja Ampat may offer short-term gains but poses significant long-term risks to marine sustainability and the tourism economy.
Nurdin emphasized the importance of transitioning to a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy. He also highlighted the need to revise mining licensing regulations in accordance with sustainability principles and to ensure the active involvement of Indigenous peoples in the development of strategic regions. Development should not only benefit external stakeholders but must also strengthen the social and cultural sovereignty of local communities.
Regarding PT Gag Nikel, which was not subject to permit revocation, Nurdin clarified that the government had considered technical evaluation results. The company operates outside the UNESCO Global Geopark area and has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental management.
Some of PT Gag Nikel’s environmental programs include post-mining land reclamation, watershed rehabilitation, and coral reef conservation. Nonetheless, Nurdin insisted on the importance of strict and continuous oversight to prevent future violations that could harm the environment or local culture.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, echoed similar views, stressing that the government’s decision was not reactionary. He and his team conducted site visits to verify the conditions of the reclaimed areas and the water quality around Gag Island.
Bahlil also criticized misleading visual content circulated on social media, saying it failed to accurately represent the reality on the ground and had the potential to mislead public opinion.
He emphasized that factual clarification and accurate information are crucial to the decision-making process. According to him, the government must be discerning in differentiating valid data from manipulated narratives. All government policies, he reaffirmed, are rooted in verified field data.
The government is also paying close attention to the socio-economic dynamics in Raja Ampat following the revocation. This move aims not only to protect ecosystems but also to affirm the rights of local communities who depend on tourism, fisheries, and cultural heritage for their livelihoods.
The administration wants to ensure that development allows broad participation by Indigenous communities, preserves local wisdom, and ensures fair benefit distribution.
The revocation of mining permits also strengthens Indonesia’s position in global environmental forums. By showing political will to protect conservation zones, Indonesia is sending a powerful message that economic growth can coexist with environmental preservation.
This move boosts public trust at home while enhancing Indonesia’s global image as a country genuinely committed to the planet’s future.
Moving forward, the biggest challenge will be maintaining policy consistency. Oversight, transparency, and accountability must be the core principles in managing natural resources in conservation zones like Raja Ampat.
The government must be able to balance economic growth with environmental preservation without yielding to short-term investment pressures that could jeopardize future generations.
President Prabowo’s decision marks a critical turning point in Indonesia’s ecological management history. It offers renewed hope for a development model that prioritizes balance between human prosperity and nature.
This is where true leadership lies: the courage to make unpopular decisions for the greater good of future generations.
*) The author is a Papuan student residing in Yogyakarta
