35 Small Islands in Indonesia Threatened by Mining Permits, Jatam Says

TEMPO.CO, Batam - The Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam) reported that 35 small islands across Indonesia have been allocated for mining activities, covering a total area of 351,933 hectares under 195 permits.

Following the recent case in Raja Ampat, Jatam campaigner Alfarhat Kasman urged the government to revoke not only the four mining permits (IUPs) there but also the remaining 195 permits on other small islands.

"Because the legal regulations are clear, that mining activities on small islands are not allowed," Alfarhat told Tempo on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

He added that beyond the Small Islands Law, rulings from the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court have explicitly prohibited mining on small islands. "The utilization of small islands should be for education, not extractive industry," he said.

Alfarhat also cited other controversial cases, such as mining operations in Wawonii and Sangihe. Despite Supreme Court rulings to halt activities, the government has yet to take legal action against PT Gema Kresik Perdana, a subsidiary of the Arita Group.

On Sangihe Island, he said, mining operations continue even though the court has sided with local residents and issued a legally binding cassation. "Meaning the company is not allowed to conduct any activities there, all permits have been revoked, and there is no reason for them to continue their activities," he said.

Vulnerable Small Islands

Jatam warned that small islands are highly susceptible to the impacts of mining, particularly amid the ongoing climate crisis. Deforestation linked to mining activities can accelerate sea-level rise, putting these islands at risk of sinking.

In addition to submersion, mining can lead to flash floods, coastal pollution, and the destruction of coral reefs.

"It happened in Gag Island, Raja Ampat, where the Ministry of Environment and Forestry found many cases of sedimentation on top of the coral reefs, and this will certainly affect the income of the surrounding fishermen," said Alfarhat.

Jatam has consistently voiced opposition to mining on other small islands such as Wawonii, Obi, Kabaena, and Sangihe.

"But why does Raja Ampat receive attention? Because it is a UNESCO-protected tourist area, while on the other side, Raja Ampat is part of the islands being destroyed in Indonesia, and there are 35 other similar islands that are equally threatened," he said.

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