TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Chair of the House of Representatives’ Energy Commission, Chusnunia Chalim, has urged the government to reconsider issuing a nickel mining business permit (IUP) in Raja Ampat, West Papua.
She emphasized that Raja Ampat is both a marine conservation area and a national super-priority tourism destination, which must be protected from potential environmental harm, particularly from mining-related logistics.
"The crossing of routes from mining sites to smelters impacts the marine ecosystem, so this must be re-evaluated," Chusnunia stated in a written message received by Tempo on Friday, June 6, 2025.
While she acknowledged the need for economic development, Chusnunia stressed that natural resource management must also prioritize the preservation of protected areas.
As such, she called on the government and all relevant stakeholders to reassess mining activities within ecologically sensitive zones.
"I encourage policies not only focused on economic growth, but also on environmental sustainability and the future of the next generation," said the Justice and Prosperity Party politician.
Similar concerns were raised by Cheroline Christe Makalew, a member of the House’s Environmental Commission. She warned that nickel mining in Raja Ampat harms both indigenous communities and the environment.
"Raja Ampat is home to thousands of marine species that are not found anywhere else in the world," Cheroline said.
The NasDem Party representative explained that mining operations would impact not only marine ecosystems but also the terrestrial environment.
More alarmingly, she noted, the damage caused by extractive industrial activities could be permanent.
She acknowledged the strategic value of natural resources for energy, food security, and industrial development. "But, let's be honest. Do not sacrifice Papua in the name of national priorities," she added.
Earlier, Greenpeace Indonesia and four Papuan youths staged a protest at the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference and Expo on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
During the demonstration, they unfurled banners reading “Nickel Mines Destroy Lives” and “Save Raja Ampat from Nickel Mining.”
Iqbal Damanik, Forest Campaigner at Greenpeace Indonesia, said the protest highlighted growing concerns about the government’s decision to reactivate and issue nickel IUPs in the region.
He revealed that a total of 16 permits had been granted—two already in the exploitation phase, two in exploration, one inactive, and 11 recently reactivated.
Iqbal warned that these activities, occurring on small islands covering about 2 square kilometers, pose serious risks. “If continued, this will damage the environment of the islands,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Environment and Forestry Hanif Faisol confirmed that four nickel mining sites in Raja Ampat had been sealed and are now under ministry supervision.
Hanif stated that two of the four companies held valid permits and environmental documents, but those permits are now under review. “These permits will be revoked, while still requiring environmental restoration,” he said.
In a related statement, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia announced the temporary suspension of operations by nickel mining company PT GAG Nikel in Raja Ampat.
"For now, we are halting operations until we can conduct a direct inspection of the situation on the ground," said Bahlil, who also serves as Chairperson of the Golkar Party.
Defara Dhanya and Nandito Putra contributed to this article.
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