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Minister dismisses claim Jokowi involved in Raja Ampat nickel mining
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has dismissed allegations linking former president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat.
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Papuans hold placards reading “revoke all nickel mining permits in Raja Ampat immediately“ during a protest march to the Southwest Papua Governor's office in Sorong on June 10, 2025. (AFP/Awakiraya)
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nergy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has dismissed allegations linking former president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and his wife Iriana to nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat.
“Oh, that’s not true. Where is that [allegation] coming from?” Bahlil said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, Kompas reported.
He also denied claims that the former president’s administration had issued the mining business permits (IUP) for the operations in Raja Ampat.
Mining activities in the region have come under increasing scrutiny following videos circulating widely on social media that allegedly show ships transporting nickel ore.
The vessels were said to bear names resembling the names or initials of the former president and his wife.
Data from the Transportation Ministry’s directorate of shipping and maritime affairs confirms the existence of ships named TB JKW Mahakam and barge Dewi Iriana.
“TB” stands for “tugboat,” a type of vessel used to tow or push other ships, such as barges lacking propulsion systems. There are at least eight vessels named JKW Mahakam, according to the Transportation Ministry’s data.
