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

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia stated that President Prabowo Subianto is aware of the ongoing controversy surrounding nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. Bahlil confirmed that the matter has been reported directly to the President.

"He (Prabowo) will always be focused on the country's welfare," said Bahlil at the ESDM Ministry office on Thursday, June 5, 2025. While he did not disclose the President’s specific response, Bahlil stressed that Prabowo has shown concern regarding the issue.

Nickel mining in Raja Ampat has drawn public attention following a report by Greenpeace Indonesia, which highlighted mining operations on Gag, Kawe, and Manuran Islands.

Greenpeace pointed out that these locations are categorized as small islands and should be protected under Law Number 1 of 2014 on the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands, which prohibits mining activities in such areas.

According to Greenpeace’s analysis, mining on the three islands has already led to the destruction of over 500 hectares of natural forest and vegetation. Field observations also revealed soil runoff into coastal waters, causing sedimentation and threatening coral reefs and the surrounding marine ecosystem.

Kiki Taufik, Head of the Global Forest Campaign for Indonesia at Greenpeace, warned of severe consequences if mining continues to expand in Raja Ampat. He cited environmental degradation already seen in places like Halmahera, Wawonii, and Kabaena. Kiki voiced concern that Raja Ampat could soon suffer similar damage, despite its status as a global geopark and one of the world’s most renowned diving destinations.

"About 75 percent of the world's best coral reefs are in Raja Ampat, and now they are beginning to be destroyed," Kiki said on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Bahlil Suspends Nickel Mining Activities

In response to mounting public criticism, the Ministry of ESDM has temporarily suspended the operations of one mining company, PT Gag Nikel. The suspension took effect on June 5, 2025, pending the results of government-led field verifications.

"We will check," Bahlil said.

He explained that PT Gag Nikel has held a Mining Business License (IUP) since 2017 and began operations in 2018. The company also possesses an approved Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal).

"Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) is already in place," said Bahlil, who also serves as Chairperson of the Golkar Party.

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

Editor's Choice: Dive Tourism Group Sends Open Letter Urging Prabowo to Halt Nickel Mining in Raja Ampat

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

Timika Bishop Blames Oligarchic Greed for Environmental Damage in Raja Ampat

48 menit lalu

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

2 jam lalu

Environmental Coalition Demands End to Mining in Raja Ampat

3 jam lalu

Prabowo Is Said to Discuss Halting Raja Ampat Nickel Mining in Today's Meeting

3 jam lalu

Dive Tourism Group Sends Open Letter Urging Prabowo to Halt Nickel Mining in Raja Ampat

4 jam lalu

Prabowo to Determine New Name for BTN Syariah After Acquiring Bank Victoria Syariah

4 jam lalu

Jatam: PT Gag's Nickel Mining Concession on Gag Island Twice Its Size

4 jam lalu

Today's Top 3 News: 8 New Tourist Attractions to Explore in Hong Kong

18 jam lalu

Government Urged to Enforce Permanent Mining Ban in Raja Ampat

22 jam lalu

Expert Points to Possible Corruption Behind Raja Ampat Nickel Mining Permit

1 hari lalu