September 10, 2025 | 06:24 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government’s decision to allow PT Gag Nikel to resume mining on Gag Island, Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups.
Greenpeace Indonesia said the permit reflects the greed of both the government and corporations, putting extractive profits ahead of environmental protection and human rights.
“Granting a mining permit in this area demonstrates the greed of the government and corporations, prioritizing short-term profits over the protection of nature and people’s rights,” said Arie Rompas, Head of the Forest Campaign Team at Greenpeace Indonesia, in a statement on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Arie regretted the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM)’s decision to reinstate PT Gag Nikel’s operating permit. He stressed that the voices of indigenous communities, local residents, and the widespread #SaveRajaAmpat campaign should not have been ignored by the ministry led by Bahlil Lahadalia.
“We are deeply concerned because this decision violates Law Number 1 of 2014 on the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands. It threatens the future of Raja Ampat’s coral reef ecosystem, which provides food and livelihoods for millions of people and stands as a source of national pride,” Arie said.
According to Arie, the move reveals the government’s continued dependence on extractive industries and its failure to build a fair, sustainable economy under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.
“This is a betrayal of Indonesia’s climate commitments and only worsens the ecological crisis facing this nation,” he added.
Signage of Geopark Raja Ampat around the PT Gag Nikel concession area on Gag Island, West Waigeo District, Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, 2025. Tempo/Nita Dian
Greenpeace, together with more than 60,000 people, has signed a petition titled Save Our World’s Paradise rejecting nickel mining in Raja Ampat. The group is demanding that the government revoke PT Gag Nikel’s permit and halt all nickel mining and smelter projects in Sorong and Raja Ampat.
“Protecting Raja Ampat means protecting life, for Papuans, for Indonesia, and for the world,” Arie said. “No amount of nickel is worth destroying Raja Ampat, often called the last paradise on Earth.”
The controversy comes after the Ministry of ESDM confirmed that PT Gag Nikel resumed operations on September 3, 2025, following a temporary suspension in June.
According to the ministry, the company earned a green rating under the Company Performance Rating Program (PROPER), which indicates compliance with environmental standards and community empowerment.
“This decision involved multiple ministries, including the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries,” said Tri Winarno, Director General of Minerals and Coal at the Ministry of ESDM, as quoted by Antara.
PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam), had its operations halted earlier this year after community complaints over mining violations on small islands.
The backlash fueled the #SaveRajaAmpat movement, especially since the region is a designated marine conservation zone and Geopark.
The government later revoked four mining business licenses (IUP) in Raja Ampat, leaving only PT Gag’s permit intact. President Prabowo Subianto has since ordered close monitoring of PT Gag Nikel’s Environmental Impact Assessment (Amdal) and reclamation commitments as part of its work plan.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesia's Energy Ministry Sends Team to Inspect Landslide-Hit Freeport Mining Site
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Landslide Traps Seven Workers at Freeport Indonesia's Underground Mining Site
1 hari lalu
PT Freeport Indonesia ensures the safety of seven trapped miners and awaits the evacuation process. Mining operations temporarily halted.
Rice Prices Remain High Across Indonesia
7 hari lalu
The price of premium rice remains above the government's highest retail price (HET) in various regions.
Indonesia Seeing Investment Growth Outside Java Island in First Half of 2025
15 hari lalu
The Ministry of Investment noted that investment outside of Java in the first semester of 2025 reached Rp476 trillion (50.5 percent), surpassing Java's investment of Rp466.9 trillion (49.5 percent).
Is China an Environmental Friend or Foe for Southeast Asia?
17 hari lalu
China is Southeast Asia's biggest investor in clean energy projects, but its firms are in the headlines for pollution and environmental degradation.
Prabowo Orders Bahlil to Tackle Illegal Mining in Forest Areas
19 hari lalu
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, said there are still many mining activities conducted without Mining Business Licenses (IUP).
Prabowo Summons Ministers, TNI for 4-Hour Meeting on Illegal Mining
21 hari lalu
Prabowo held the closed-door meeting late Tuesday after unexpectedly summoning several ministers along with military and law enforcement leaders.
Papua's OPM Accuses Indonesian Military of Planting Landmines in Yakuhimo
21 hari lalu
TPNPB-OPM accuses the TNI of planting landmines in Yahukimo, Papua, something that the military denied.
KPK Investigates Alleged Corruption Linked to Lombok Mining Activities
25 hari lalu
According to the Acting Deputy of Enforcement of the KPK, this finding is still under preliminary investigation.
M4.8 Earthquake Strikes Papua's Sarmi Amid Aftershock Swarm
27 hari lalu
The BMKG noted that it is still a series of aftershocks from the 6.4 magnitude main earthquake on August 12, 2025.
Thousands Protest in Papua Demanding Acting Governor Replaced Amid Election Rage
29 hari lalu
Thousands demand that the acting Governor of Papua, Agus Fatoni, be replaced with the Commander of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih as the temporary governor.
