Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – The Head of Global Greenpeace for Indonesian Forest Campaign, Kiki Taufik, said that the withdrawal of four nickel mining business permits (IUP) is a crucial step for the full protection of the environment in Raja Ampat.
The revocation of the four IUPs protects the community and the environment from the nickel industry.
They are still awaiting the official decision from the government, which can be openly seen by the public. Greenpeace also calls for the revocation of all active and inactive mining permits. Moreover, there is still a precedent where revoked permits can be reissued.
"Moreover, there is a precedent that permits that have been previously revoked can be reissued, including in Raja Ampat, due to lawsuits from companies," he said in an official statement on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Kiki also urged the government to address the social conflicts that have emerged within the community due to the presence of mines. He also asked the government to ensure the safety and security of the people who had previously voiced objections to the nickel mine in the Raja Ampat region.
Kiki stated that the government needs to focus on building a sustainable tourism ecosystem that is in favor of indigenous peoples and local communities. "And to ensure a just transition and the fulfillment of the rights of workers in the mining sector," he said.
According to Kiki, the issue of nickel mining is not only limited to Raja Ampat. There are still many nickel mining permits on small islands in other regions of eastern Indonesia that cause ecological destruction and hardships for indigenous and local communities. Kiki also requested the government to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of these mining permits.
"All developments in Indonesia, especially in Papua, must ensure the principles of humanity, justice, meaningful public involvement, and consent based on prior information without coercion, particularly concerning indigenous peoples and local communities," he said.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the government has decided to revoke the Mining Business Permits (IUP) of four out of the five companies operating in Raja Ampat. The revoked companies are PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP), PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP), PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM), and PT Nurham.
Bahlil said that PT Gag is still allowed to operate because, based on the government's evaluation, the company complies with environmental regulations and has good waste management according to the environmental impact analysis (Amdal).
"And earlier we saw the photos when we were reviewing it. Thank God, it is in accordance with the Amdal. Therefore, it is also part of the state's assets as long as we closely monitor it. As per the direction of our President, we must closely monitor the environment. Until now, we believe it can continue," Bahlil said at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
– Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to the writing of this article.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2016221/greenpeace-worries-mining-permits-in-raja-ampat-will-be-reissue