TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The popular tourist area of Wayag Island, one of the main icons of Raja Ampat, has been temporarily closed following increased social tensions after President Prabowo Subianto revoked the mining business permits (IUP) from four nickel mining companies operating in the region.
The Ministry of Tourism stated that tourism activities in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, remain safe despite the temporary closure of access to several tourist locations due to the polemics surrounding nickel mining.
"Despite the dynamics in the field, including the temporary closure of access to Wayag Island and Manyaifun Batang Pele, as well as the pros and cons related to the nickel mining issue, the government ensures that tourism activities in Raja Ampat continue to proceed safely and in a controlled manner," said Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, in a written statement received by Tempo on Friday night, June 13, 2025.
This closure is caused by the blockade action carried out by residents in the West Waigeo Islands District, where Wayag Island is located.
Access to this popular tourist area was blocked after the affected residents protested the government's decision to revoke the mining permits.
Some of them were former employees of mining companies such as PT Melia Raymond Perkasa and PT Kawai Sejahtera Mining (KSM) which previously provided economic benefits to the surrounding community.
Viral on Social Media
A viral video on social media showed local residents expelling foreign tourists in Wayag. The recording showed a group of residents wearing black shirts shouting near a tourist boat, demanding the tourists to leave their area immediately.
This incident occurred just a few days after President Prabowo's decision on June 9, 2024 to revoke the IUP of four nickel mining companies, namely PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Melia Raymond Perkasa, and PT KSM.
This decision was announced by the Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi in a press conference at the Presidential Palace, accompanied by relevant ministers such as the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia and the Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni.
In response to the escalating situation, Raja Ampat Regent Orideko Burdam instructed the temporary closure of tourism activities in the West Waigeo Islands District, including Wayag, to prevent potential conflicts between the locals and tourists.
He also requested the temporary closure of tourism activities in the West Waigeo Islands to anticipate unwanted incidents.
The local government has also visited Manyaifun Island and Batan Pele to directly listen to the aspirations of the affected residents.
"We have gone down to the field and listened to the aspirations of the people. In the near future, we will hold a customary meeting to find concrete solutions," said Orideko, emphasizing the importance of resolving the conflict culturally and peacefully.
Greenpeace: Mining Damages Forests and Coral Reefs
The revocation of the mining permits is a response to public concerns and pressure from environmental groups. Greenpeace noted that mining activities on five small islands in Raja Ampat have damaged more than 500 hectares of forests and threatened up to 75 percent of the world's best coral reef areas.
In addition to ecological damage, mining activities are also considered to violate Law Number 27 of 2007 concerning the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia mentioned that although PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of PT Antam Tbk., was not among the four companies whose permits were revoked, its operational activities have been temporarily halted until field verification results are obtained.
Wayag is one of the most captivating destinations in Raja Ampat, known for its cluster of karst hills in the middle of the sea and spectacular views of the blue sea from its peak.
The closure of this area not only affects the tourism sector but also sends a significant signal regarding the tensions between environmental protection, local economy, and national interests.
The government is now at a crucial point, namely to preserve the integrity of the Raja Ampat ecosystem while providing real solutions to the communities affected by mining. The next steps will be a benchmark for the government's commitment to sustainable development involving participation and social justice.
If not handled wisely, social conflicts and environmental damage in Raja Ampat could set a bad precedent for the governance of natural resources in other regions of Indonesia.
Mila Novita contributed to the writing of this article.
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