ASIATODAY.ID, JAYAPURA – The nickel mining operations in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua Province, have come under sharp scrutiny from Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). The commission warned that the mining activities pose a significant risk of violating human rights, particularly the right to a healthy and sustainable environment.
Frits Ramandey, Head of Komnas HAM’s Papua Representative Office, stated that between January and June 2025, the commission recorded 22 cases of potential violations of economic, social, and cultural rights (ECOSOC) across Papua. The data were gathered from media monitoring and complaints submitted through Komnas HAM’s Human Rights Complaint System (SPH).
“From January 1 to June 12, 2025, we recorded 22 cases that potentially violate human rights in Papua. One of the most concerning is the nickel mining activity in Raja Ampat,” Frits said during a press conference in Jayapura on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
In its official statement No. 29.HM.00/VI/2025, Komnas HAM warned that the nickel mining in Raja Ampat strongly risks causing human rights violations, especially concerning environmental rights. These activities could impact fundamental community rights, including the right to health, the right to a decent life, and the rights of children.
The commission detailed the types of ECOSOC violations recorded in the first half of 2025 as follows: 9 agrarian-related cases, 4 environmental cases, 3 labor rights cases, 2 hunger-related cases, 2 healthcare-related cases, 1 case involving the right to education, 1 case concerning marginalized and vulnerable groups.
“These cases reflect serious threats to welfare rights, the right to life, and the right to personal development in Papua,” Frits added.
Strategic National Projects (PSN) Also Under Fire
In addition to the mining activities, Komnas HAM raised concerns about the implementation of Strategic National Projects (PSN), particularly in Merauke, South Papua. Numerous public complaints highlight the loss of traditional lands and the exclusion of local labor in these projects.
“These projects have reduced access to vital livelihoods for many communities and fail to adequately involve the local workforce,” Frits explained.
He emphasized that the PSN initiatives are causing issues across all regencies and cities within the six provinces of Papua.
Meanwhile, Komnas HAM Chairperson Anis Hidayah, who directly monitored the mining activities in Raja Ampat, reinforced the concern, stating that the operations pose a strong potential for systemic human rights violations.
“The nickel mining in Raja Ampat carries a significant risk of human rights violations, especially regarding environmental impacts,” Anis Hidayah said in Jakarta on Friday, June 13, 2025. (AT Network)
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