The announcement was delivered by State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi during a virtual press conference on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Prasetyo explained that the revocation resulted from a comprehensive evaluation involving several ministries, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Ministry of State Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat.
“The President led a limited meeting specifically addressing mining permits in Raja Ampat. Following his directive, the government decided to revoke the business licenses of four companies operating in the area,” said Prasetyo.
He emphasized that the policy was not a response to growing public criticism over the expansion of nickel mining in Raja Ampat.
According to him, the government had already issued a Presidential Regulation regarding the structuring of forest areas, which includes oversight of all resource-based activities, including mining.
“The mining permits in Raja Ampat are just one part of a broader regulatory effort currently being undertaken by the government,” he added.
Even so, Prasetyo acknowledged the public’s concern and the important role of civil society in monitoring environmental issues and sharing information with the authorities.
He said the community’s active involvement helped accelerate the evaluation and decision-making process at the highest level.
However, he also called on the public to remain thoughtful and discerning. “We all must be cautious and seek the truth when receiving information, so we don’t fall into the trap of misinformation or competing narratives,” he said.
Why wasn't PT Gag Nikel's license revoked?
At the same press conference, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed that the four revoked licenses belonged to PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, and PT Nurham.
Meanwhile, the mining permit for PT Gag Nikel on Gag Island remains valid, allowing the company to continue its operations.
Bahlil explained that the decision was made after a direct field assessment by the ministry. Only PT Gag Nikel had submitted the required Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) for 2025. The other four companies failed to provide the necessary documentation.
He added that PT Gag Nikel’s total concession area spans 13,136 hectares, of which only 260 hectares have been developed.
Of the land that has been used, more than 130 hectares have been reclaimed, and 54 hectares have been returned to the state.
“Gag Island is not located within the Raja Ampat Geopark area. It lies about 42 kilometers from Payemo, the main tourist destination, and is geographically closer to North Maluku,” Bahlil said.
He also rejected claims that PT Gag Nikel’s operations had caused damage to coral reefs or marine pollution.
Visual and technical inspections conducted by the ministry found the coastal and marine conditions around Gag Island to be in good condition.
In contrast, the four companies whose permits were revoked were found to have multiple issues, including environmental violations and legal non-compliance with evolving national policies.
“Some of these licenses were issued between 2004 and 2006 by the regional government under the previous Mining Law,” Bahlil noted.
“But we’re not looking to blame anyone. This is a shared responsibility that we must resolve together,” he concluded.
