Irsyan Hasyim, Jakarta – The government's decision to allow PT Gag Nikel to resume mining on Gag Island, Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups.
Greenpeace Indonesia said the permit reflects the greed of both the government and corporations, putting extractive profits ahead of environmental protection and human rights.
"Granting a mining permit in this area demonstrates the greed of the government and corporations, prioritizing short-term profits over the protection of nature and people's rights," said Arie Rompas, Head of the Forest Campaign Team at Greenpeace Indonesia, in a statement on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Arie regretted the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM)'s decision to reinstate PT Gag Nikel's operating permit. He stressed that the voices of indigenous communities, local residents, and the widespread #SaveRajaAmpat campaign should not have been ignored by the ministry led by Bahlil Lahadalia.
"We are deeply concerned because this decision violates Law Number 1 of 2014 on the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands. It threatens the future of Raja Ampat's coral reef ecosystem, which provides food and livelihoods for millions of people and stands as a source of national pride," Arie said.
According to Arie, the move reveals the government's continued dependence on extractive industries and its failure to build a fair, sustainable economy under President Prabowo Subianto's administration.
"This is a betrayal of Indonesia's climate commitments and only worsens the ecological crisis facing this nation," he added.
Signage of Geopark Raja Ampat around the PT Gag Nikel concession area on Gag Island, West Waigeo District, Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, 2025. Tempo/Nita Dian
Greenpeace, together with more than 60,000 people, has signed a petition titled Save Our World's Paradise rejecting nickel mining in Raja Ampat. The group is demanding that the government revoke PT Gag Nikel's permit and halt all nickel mining and smelter projects in Sorong and Raja Ampat.
"Protecting Raja Ampat means protecting life, for Papuans, for Indonesia, and for the world," Arie said. "No amount of nickel is worth destroying Raja Ampat, often called the last paradise on Earth."
The controversy comes after the Ministry of ESDM confirmed that PT Gag Nikel resumed operations on September 3, 2025, following a temporary suspension in June.
According to the ministry, the company earned a green rating under the Company Performance Rating Program (PROPER), which indicates compliance with environmental standards and community empowerment.
"This decision involved multiple ministries, including the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries," said Tri Winarno, Director General of Minerals and Coal at the Ministry of ESDM, as quoted by Antara.
PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam), had its operations halted earlier this year after community complaints over mining violations on small islands.
The backlash fueled the #SaveRajaAmpat movement, especially since the region is a designated marine conservation zone and Geopark.
The government later revoked four mining business licenses (IUP) in Raja Ampat, leaving only PT Gag's permit intact. President Prabowo Subianto has since ordered close monitoring of PT Gag Nikel's Environmental Impact Assessment (Amdal) and reclamation commitments as part of its work plan.