Raja Ampat Mining permits Revoked Amidst Environmental Concerns: Calls for Further Investigation

Jakarta, Indonesia – A Member Of Parliament, Daniel Johan, from Commission Iv, is demanding a thorough investigation into the mining permits issued in the Raja Ampat region of Southwest papua. This call to action follows reports of significant environmental damage and threats to local communities due to ongoing mining activities.

Parliament Member Urges Probe Into Raja Ampat mining Permits

According To Mr. Johan, the unchecked issuance of mining permits on small, protected islands represents a clear violation of Indonesian Law No. 1 of 2014 and a blatant disregard for the well-being of the local population. “This Isn’t just about the mining companies,” He stated Tuesday.”We must investigate those who approved these permits on islands that are legally protected. This is a direct affront to the interests of the peopel.”

The Parliament member specifically cited nickel mining operations that have reportedly devastated approximately 500 hectares of forests and natural vegetation across three small islands within the Raja Ampat archipelago.

Environmental Impact on Raja Ampat’s ecotourism

Mr. Johan emphasized the crucial role local communities play in protecting Raja Ampat’s unique environment and driving its ecotourism sector. He noted that the region’s diverse wildlife,including Cenderawasih birds,manta rays,and vibrant coral reefs,forms the economic backbone for local residents.

“The Raja ampat Community are not onyl natural protectors, they are also the main perpetrators of ecotourism,” He added. “Cenderawasih birds, manta rays, coral reefs, all of which become the backbone of the people’s economy, not just conservation objects. Then the mines come on the pretext of downstreaming, which actually discredited the ecosystem and local life.”

The Rush To Mining, often justified by downstreaming initiatives, is seen as undermining the region’s delicate ecosystem and the livelihoods that depend on it.

Government Action and Future Steps

Mr. Johan expressed his appreciation for president Prabowo Subianto’s decisive action in revoking the mining licenses of four companies operating in the area. He believes the government has heard the voices of the people who oppose the mining operations in Raja Ampat.

“Too Big value for Indonesia and the world if the geopark is destroyed, maybe with the benefits of the mining we get we are unable to rebuild the geopark with the beauty and wealth of biological resources like today, thank you President Prabowo who has heard the people’s conscience and make it happen,” He explained.

Call to Prioritize indigenous Communities

The State Must Prioritize indigenous peoples and local communities, not even investments that ultimately damage nature.

“As The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Pak Bahlil the mining permit was issued before serving, this is an possibility for the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources to revoke the IUP, show the alignments of the community and the environment. We ask the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources to revoke the IUP permanently not carry out temporary freezing,” He said.

For additional information, the government took firm steps related to nickel mining activities in the Raja Ampat Geopark region, Southwest Papua. The Mining Business License (IUP) of four mining companies on the small islands in Raja Ampat is now revoked.

The names of four companies whose permits revoked were:

1. Pt Anugerah Surya Pratama
2. Pt Nurham
3. Pt Majesty Raymond Perkasa
4. Pt One of the Minings mining Mining

Ministry of Environment’s findings on Raja Ampat’s Environmental Damage

The Minister Of Environment (LH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, detailed the ministry’s findings from inspections of four mining areas within raja Ampat.Minister Nurofiq highlighted significant environmental damage on Manuran Island, which is managed by PT ASP.

“Indeed, on this island (Manuran) is smaller, so only 743 hectares. Of course we can imagine that this exploitation is done, the recovery is no longer easy because there are no more materials to restore. this is what then came to our concern to do a review related to environmental documents,” Minister Nurofiq stated during a press conference in Pullman, Central Jakarta.

Minister Nurofiq explained that the environmental approval for PT ASP was initially granted by the Regent of Raja Ampat Regency, and the document has not yet been submitted to the Ministry of Environment for review.

Visual Evidence presented by the Minister included images showing turbidity along the shoreline of Manuran Island, caused by a broken settling pond at the mining site.

“This Is the position of friends. At the time of supervision there is indeed a settling pond and broken incident. And this does cause environmental pollution, beach turbidity is quite high. And this is of course there are consequences that must be responsible for the company,” Said Minister Nurofiq.

Companies Involved in Raja Ampat Mining Operations

The Government’s Recent Revocation of Mining Business Licenses (IUP) has put the spotlight on several companies operating in the Raja Ampat region.

What are your thoughts on the revocation of these mining permits? Do you believe it is enough to protect Raja Ampat’s environment? Share your comments below.