Nandito Putra, Jakarta – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has granted an operational permit to PT Gag Nikel on Gag Island, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua.
The nickel mining company had previously suspended its activities following strong public opposition.
Tri Winarno, Director General of Minerals and Coal at the ministry, said the permit should not be seen as the government disregarding environmental concerns.
He explained that mining operations needed to resume so authorities could properly assess whether the company had fulfilled its environmental obligations.
"For a comprehensive environmental evaluation and audit, operations must be running. That is the only way we can determine compliance," Tri told reporters at the parliamentary complex on Monday, September 15, 2025.
The decision quickly drew criticism from environmental activists. Arie Rompas, Head of the Forest Campaign Team at Greenpeace Indonesia, condemned the move, arguing it puts Raja Ampat's fragile ecosystem at risk.
The region is globally renowned as the habitat of 75 percent of the world's coral reef species.
"Instead of revoking mining permits that endanger this heritage site, the government is giving PT Gag Nikel the green light. This shows a disregard for a world treasure that should be protected," Arie said in a written statement.
He stressed that the decision violates Law Number 1 of 2014 on the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands, warning that mining in Raja Ampat could destroy coral reefs, threaten local food sources and livelihoods, and undermine Indonesia's climate commitments.
"The government seems unable to imagine an economy beyond extractive industries. This reliance only highlights a lack of vision for a sustainable future," Arie added.
Greenpeace, backed by more than 60,000 petition signatories, has consistently opposed nickel mining in Raja Ampat. The petition also rejects any plans to build a smelter in Sorong, West Papua.
"No amount of nickel is worth destroying Raja Ampat's ecosystem, often called the last paradise on earth," Arie emphasized.
PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of state-owned miner PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam), had its operations suspended in June after widespread reports of environmental violations.
The suspension triggered a wave of protests that grew into a nationwide movement under the hashtag #SaveRajaAmpat, highlighting the area's status as both a marine conservation zone and a designated UNESCO Global Geopark.
As part of its response, the government revoked four mining business licenses (IUP) in Raja Ampat, leaving only PT Gag Nikel in operation.
President Prabowo Subianto later instructed Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and other officials to closely monitor the company's Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) and reclamation plans.
– Irsyan Hasyim contributed to the writing of this article.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2049087/why-is-indonesia-letting-pt-gag-nikel-resume-mining-in-raja-ampa