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Govt stops short of halting all nickel mining in Raja Ampat
The government has revoked four licenses for nickel mining operations in Southwest Papua’s Raja Ampat regency, but not the one for the most advanced project on Gag Island, despite mounting pressure from environmental groups and the wider public.
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Heartbreaking: Deforestation on Gag Island is seen on Dec. 22, 2024, in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. (AFP/Auriga Nusantara)
D
espite mounting public and environmental pressure, the government has stopped short of halting all nickel mining operations in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua.
On Tuesday, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi announced the revocation of permits for four out of five companies operating in the ecologically sensitive region, leaving one, PT Gag Nikel, free to continue.
The decision came after activists circulated videos showing visible harm to the islands’ fragile ecosystems.
“President Prabowo Subianto has decided that the government will revoke the mining business licenses of four companies in Raja Ampat,” Prasetyo said in a press briefing broadcast online on Tuesday.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia added, without disclosing details, that the companies had “violated” prevailing regulations.
None of the four companies, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, PT Anugerah Surya Pratama and PT Nurham, had submitted 2025 Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) applications so far, the minister explained.
RKAB approval must be obtained from the energy ministry before a mining company can commence mining activities, including exploration.
