TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - All nickel mining sites in the Raja Ampat region of West Papua have been officially sealed and placed under the supervision of environmental officials. The Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol, confirmed this development to Tempo today, June 5, 2025, a date coinciding with World Environment Day.
Among the four companies identified as either currently engaged in or intending to conduct nickel mining operations in Raja Ampat, two possess both permits and environmental documentation. These permits, as stated by Minister Hanif, are slated for revocation. "While still obliging environmental restoration," he emphasized in a written statement issued prior to the official public announcement.
4 Nickel Mines and Their Sanctions
Further details from his statement are as follows:
1. PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (Manuran Island)
This foreign investment company from China operates a nickel mine on Manuran Island (a small island covering 746 hectares). Its environmental approval will be evaluated for revocation, and its mining activities will be terminated for violating Law Number 1 of 2014, an amendment to Law Number 27 of 2007 concerning the Management of Small Islands and Coastal Areas. "The violations include the lack of environmental management and causing heavy sedimentation," said Hanif.
Nickel mining site on Manuran Island, Supnin District, Raja Ampat, West Papua, August 27, 2024. Sumaryanto Bronto/Greenpeace
2. PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (Batang Pele Island)
This company's nickel mine on Batang Pele Island lacks environmental documents and has not obtained the Forest Area Borrow and Use Permit (IPPKH). Consequently, its exploration activities have been halted. "The government will impose administrative sanctions to stop the exploration activities."
Tarps cover drilling machines for nickel mining exploration on Batang Pele Island, West Waigeo District, Raja Ampat, South Papua, May 6, 2025. Alif R Nouddy Korua/Greenpeace
3. PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (Kawe Island)
Officers discovered a mine opening by this company on Kawe Island that extends beyond the scope of its environmental approval and IPPKH, covering an area of five hectares. Its activities have caused coastal sedimentation and will be subject to mandatory administrative sanctions imposed by the government for restoration, as well as a civil lawsuit.
Nickel mining site by PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining on Kawe Island, West Waigeo District, Raja Ampat, South Papua, May 4, 2025. Doc. Greenpeace
4. PT Gag Nikel (Gag Island)
Similar to PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, this company's documents will undergo evaluation for revocation due to violations of Law Number 1/2014 juncto 27/2007.
Nickel mining site by PT GAG Nikel on Gag Island, West Waigeo District, Raja Ampat, South Papua, March 1, 2025. Doc. Greenpeace
Greenpeace's Findings on Nickel Mining in Raja Ampat
The existence of nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat was first revealed by Greenpeace Indonesia on June 3. The group protested amidst the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference & Expo in Jakarta, exposing the presence of nickel mines that threaten a region renowned for its marine conservation efforts.
According to Greenpeace's investigation, nickel mining activities on Gag Island, Kawe Island, and Manuran Island have damaged over 500 hectares of natural forests and vegetation. Field documentation also shows soil runoff flowing into the coast, resulting in dangerous sedimentation for coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
In addition to Gag, Kawe, and Manuran Islands, two other small islands threatened by nickel mining activities are Batang Pele and Manyaifun Islands. Both are located approximately 30 kilometers from Piaynemo, an iconic karst hill cluster depicted on the Rp100,000 banknote.
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