Sultan Abdurrahman, Jakarta – Mining activities in the regency of Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, have garnered attention due to environmental damage. Out of five mining companies, the government has revoked the mining business permit, or IUP, for four of them. PT Gag Nikel, located on Gag Island, is the only company still holding their operating permit.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, claimed that PT Gag Nikel differs in legal status as they hold a working contract that has been in place since 1998. He stated that Gag Island, the mining location, is not within a conservation area.
"Gag Island is also not situated within the Raja Ampat Geopark. Its location is approximately 42 km from Piaynemo, the main tourist area, and geographically closer to North Maluku," Bahlil said during a press conference on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
So, who owns PT Gag Nikel and is still able to mine in Raja Ampat?
According to their company page, PT Gag Nikel has its headquarters at Antam Office Building Tower B, MZ Floor, Jalan TB. Simatupang No. 1, South Jakarta. Initially, the majority of PT Gag Nikel's shares were held by Asia Pacific Nickel Pty Ltd at 75 percent and PT Aneka Tambang or PT Antam Tbk at 25 percent. However, since 2008, PT Antam Tbk has acquired all the shares of Asia Pacific Nickel Pty Ltd.
As for PT Antam Tbk, it is a state-owned mining company or BUMN. PT Antam is engaged in various mining commodities, including nickel, gold, ferro-nickel, bauxite, alumina, and coal. As a public company (Tbk), part of PT Antam's shares is owned by the government through MIND ID, the state mining BUMN holding.
At present, PT Antam is led by Achmad Ardianto as the new President Director, who replaced Nicolas D. Kanter. Achmad was appointed through the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (RUPST) of PT Antam, held on June 12, 2025. Before being appointed as President Director, Achmad Ardianto had served as the Director of Human Resources at PT Antam since June 15, 2023.
– Riri Rahayu contributed to the writing of this article.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2017810/the-controversy-of-pt-gag-nikels-mining-operation-in-raja-ampa