ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Raja Ampat, a marine paradise globally celebrated for its biodiversity and natural beauty, is now under grave threat from nickel mining operations permitted since 2017. Instead of enforcing environmental protections, the Indonesian government is accused of facilitating ecological destruction in one of the world’s last pristine marine frontiers.
Mining activities on Gag Island, part of the Raja Ampat archipelago, are generating widespread concern among environmental groups, academics, and civil society organizations.
Under Law No. 1 of 2014 on Coastal and Small Islands Management, mining is expressly prohibited on islands under 2,000 square kilometers. Gag Island spans only about 77.27 square kilometers, classifying it as a “small island” and making any mining operations on it illegal under Indonesian law.
Rifyan Ridwan Saleh, Head of Law, Defense, and Security at the Islamic Students Association (PB HMI), strongly condemned the issuance of mining permits in Raja Ampat.
He stated that the permits violate not only Law No. 1/2014 but also a 2023 Constitutional Court decision (Ruling No. 35/PUU-XXI/2023) which reinforced the ban on extractive activities on small islands.
“Article 23, paragraph 2 of the law clearly prioritizes small island use for conservation, education, sustainable fisheries, eco-tourism, and defense—not mining,” said Rifyan, June 9, 2025.
“All activities violating this law must be permanently stopped.”
He emphasized that the law also empowers the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources to revoke any permit that has caused significant environmental harm (Article 51, paragraph 1).
Rifyan added that the mining in Raja Ampat also violates Article 33, paragraph 4 of the Indonesian Constitution, which requires the national economy to be environmentally sustainable, fair, and inclusive. He criticized the nickel mining operations as solely profit-driven, sacrificing environmental integrity and the welfare of indigenous communities.
“These operations are not environmentally conscious and clearly go against the spirit of our Constitution,” he stated.
Rifyan further alleged that the issuance of these mining licenses, despite clear legal prohibitions, raises suspicions of corruption and collusion between the government and corporate actors.
“If the laws and court rulings are clear, but permits are still issued, I suspect foul play—possibly collusion between central government authorities and the mining companies,” he warned.
He called on Minister Bahlil Lahadalia to take full responsibility and revoke the permits permanently, not just temporarily.
Minister Bahlil has come under intense fire for what many see as a reactive and insufficient approach. While he did promise a temporary suspension of mining operations following public backlash, critics say there has been no indication of a long-term commitment to protecting Raja Ampat’s fragile ecosystems.
“Instead of acting as a guardian of Indonesia’s ecological and indigenous interests, the Minister downplays the issue by framing criticism as ‘foreign interference’,” said M. Muham Tashir, Chair of the PB PMII’s Civil Society and NGO Division.
“It discredits the local communities and environmental defenders who are genuinely fighting to protect Raja Ampat.”
Although Minister Bahlil previously promised a temporary suspension of mining activities due to public pressure, activists argue that no meaningful long-term policy changes have followed.
PB PMII issued a strong statement outlining four key demands: (1) Permanently revoke all nickel mining permits in the Raja Ampat region. (2) Dismiss Minister Bahlil Lahadalia for his failure to safeguard ecological and indigenous community interests. (3) Uphold Law No. 1 of 2014 consistently and without exception and (4) Stop using “foreign interference” rhetoric to dismiss domestic and local criticism.
“Raja Ampat is not a playground for extractive industries. It is a symbol of natural harmony and sustainability. The government must stand with the people and the environment—not just with investors,” Tashir emphasized.
Government Claims Environmental Oversight Is in Place
In response to the backlash, the ESDM Ministry has claimed that mining operations are being closely monitored.
On June 7, 2025, Minister Bahlil visited Gag Island to inspect the operations of PT Gag Nikel and engage in dialogue with local residents.
Several local fishers expressed support for the mining company, claiming that environmental conditions remain intact.
“The seawater is still clear, and the reef fish are safe to eat,” said Fathah Abanovo, a local fisherman.
Lukman Harun, another resident, echoed this sentiment, rejecting negative media portrayals of environmental damage.
Elisa Kambu, Governor of Southwest Papua, and Orideko Iriano Burdam, Regent of Raja Ampat, both voiced conditional support for nickel mining, emphasizing that strict environmental monitoring must continue.
“Community welfare remains a top priority. However, we support stronger regulations and comprehensive evaluations to protect the area’s sustainability,” Governor Elisa stated.
The Raja Ampat mining controversy exposes a deeper conflict between economic ambitions and environmental preservation. As the world watches, the Indonesian government is being called upon to demonstrate true leadership—by prioritizing long-term ecological sustainability over short-term industrial gains. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel