Lawmaker Demands Permanent Ban on Nickel Mining in Raja Ampat

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Riyono, a member of Commission IV of the House of Representatives has voiced strong opposition to nickel mining in the Raja Ampat conservation area, citing its harmful impact on the ecosystem. He is urging the government to put a complete and permanent halt to the mining operations.

“Permanently stop the mining activities in the Raja Ampat conservation area. Preserving the environment is the main goal of conservation, if Raja Ampat remains intact, blue food will still be available for the residents and their descendants,” said the Prosperous Justice Party politician in a written statement on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Riyono emphasized that Raja Ampat holds a vital position as a center of biodiversity in Indonesia’s marine and fisheries sector. The region encompasses two million hectares of marine conservation zones and is home to over 1,600 fish species, 75 percent of the world’s coral species, six of the seven endangered turtle species, and 17 marine mammal species.

He referred to various sources that estimate the area’s economic potential at Rp 2 trillion annually. Even so, Riyono warned against trading environmental preservation for financial gain.

“If it is valued in trillions, what kind of greed would close its eyes to this conservation area,” he said.

Raja Ampat, he noted, also serves as a vital source of blue food for local and coastal populations. With thousands of fish and seaweed species, he believes sustainable development of this potential could bring long-term benefits to the community.

Previously, the Coalition for Saving Humans and Nature in Domberai criticized the visit of Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia and other officials from Southwest West Papua to Gag Island, Raja Ampat. They visited a nickel mining site operated by PT Gag Nickel. The visit occurred despite growing public opposition from environmental groups and civil society organizations.

Ayub Paa, a representative of the coalition, accused the government of favoring the mining company. His concerns were sparked by Governor Elisa Kambu of Southwest West Papua, who dismissed circulating images of environmental damage in Raja Ampat as fake, claiming the sea remains clear and blue.

The Ministry of ESDM, through the Director-General of Minerals and Coal, Tri Winarno, stated that no violations had been found during inspections of the Gag Island site. He also said the coastal areas were free of sedimentation. Nevertheless, Tri confirmed that mining inspectors would be sent to assess all the Mining Business License Areas (WIUP) in the region.

“The statements made by the officials are subjective and cannot be justified, especially in judging whether the mining company is violating regulations or not,” Ayub said in a written statement on Monday, June 9, 2025.

According to the Ministry of ESDM, there are five Mining Business Licenses (IUP) issued in Raja Ampat, located in Southwest West Papua. These licenses have been granted to PT Gag Nickel (a subsidiary of PT Antam Tbk) PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP), PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP), PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KWS), and PT Nurham.

The licenses for PT Gag Nickel and PT ASP were issued by the central government, while the remaining three were issued by the regional government.

Nandito Putra and Riri Rahayu contributed to the writing of this article.

Editor's Choice: Environmental Coalition Demands End to Mining in Raja Ampat

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Four Mining Licenses Revoked in Raja Ampat, Why Was PT Gag Nikel Spared?

13 menit lalu

Raja Ampat Nickel Mining Controversy: Indonesian Govt to Make Decision Today

56 menit lalu

Indonesian Govt Revokes Nickel Mining Licenses in Raja Ampat Amid Public Outcry

1 jam lalu

Legal Expert: Animal Carcass Terrors Signal Regression of Democracy, Statehood

15 jam lalu

Raja Ampat Visitors on the Rise in Last Five Years

16 jam lalu

Indonesia's Medium Rice Prices Surpass Retail Ceiling

17 jam lalu

Former Indonesian Minister Named CEO of Nickel Miner Amid Raja Ampat Controversy

18 jam lalu

Prabowo Aware of Environmental Concerns Over Nickel Mining in Raja Ampat, Says Minister

19 jam lalu

Timika Bishop Blames Oligarchic Greed for Environmental Damage in Raja Ampat

19 jam lalu

Profile of Five Licensed Nickel Giants Set to Mine in Raja Ampat

21 jam lalu