Riri Rahayu, Jakarta – Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Economics Lecturer Fahmy Radhi urged the government to revoke the mining permit in Raja Ampat, South West Papua. This is because mining activities in the area would damage the environment. Furthermore, he claims that companies with mining permits often neglect their reclamation obligations.

"Even with reclamation, mining in Raja Ampat will undoubtedly damage the geopark, a popular tourist destination," Fahmy said in a written statement on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

Therefore, Fahmy said the government should stop all mining activities in Raja Ampat. The cessation must be permanent, not just a temporary cessation of operations, like what Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia is doing to PT Gag Nikel. "No more mining permits forever," Fahmy said.

Furthermore, Fahmy suggested that the Attorney General's Office intervene in this matter. Fahmy suspected collusion between the central government and mining companies in the mining permits in Raja Ampat. "Anyone involved should be legally sanctioned if proven," he said.

According to ESDM Ministry data, five Mining Business Permits (IUP) have been issued in Raja Ampat, South West Papua. These five companies are PT Gag Nikel, 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 central government issued the IUPs held by PT Gag Nikel and PT ASP. Meanwhile, the regional government issued the IUPs for the other three companies.

In a survey conducted last year, Greenpeace found mining activities on Gag Island, Kawe Island, and Manuran Island. These islands fall into the category of small islands that should not be mined according to Law Number 1 of 2014 concerning the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands.

Greenpeace's analysis indicates that mining activities on these three islands have damaged more than 500 hectares of natural forests and vegetation. Field documentation also shows soil runoff flowing into the coast, causing dangerous sedimentation to coral reefs and marine ecosystems. "The Raja Ampat region will be damaged if mining activities are allowed to continue," said Kiki Taufik, Global Head of Greenpeace's Forest Campaign for Indonesia.

In line with Greenpeace's findings, Researchers at the Anti-Corruption Study Center (SAKSI) at Mulawarman University's Law Faculty questioned why the IUP was issued in the Raja Ampat region. Like Fahmy, he also suspected indications of corruption in the issuance of nickel mining business permits. He explained that Law Number 1 of 2014 concerning the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands has expressly prohibited mining activities on small islands. This prohibition was reinforced by Constitutional Court Decision Number 35/PUU-XXI/2023.

"However, mining permits were still issued. This suggests collusion between the issuing authorities – in this case, the government – and the mining companies. It is also important to address the issue of permits that have been issued," said Herdiansyah to Tempo on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

– Nandito Putra and Eka Yudha contributed to the writing of this article

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2015537/government-urged-to-enforce-permanent-mining-ban-in-raja-ampa