Indonesia Revokes Mining Permits of 4 Companies in Raja Ampat

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Selasa, 10 Juni 2025 - 14:30 WIB

Jakarta, VIVA – The Indonesian government has officially revoked the mining business permits (IUP) of four companies operating in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua.

This decision was made during a closed cabinet meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto on Monday (June 9).

“Yesterday, the President chaired a cabinet meeting where one of the topics discussed was the mining permits in Raja Ampat. Following his directive, the government will revoke the mining permits of four companies operating there,” said Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi in Jakarta.

Hadi added that the issue gained public attention, especially regarding nickel mining permits in the area.

Since January, the government has issued a Presidential Regulation to regulate forest areas, which also applies to natural resource-based businesses, including mining.

"This issue is part of the government's broader effort to tidy up and regulate these areas,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq revealed that environmental damage has been found in Raja Ampat as a result of nickel mining.

Based on inspections carried out between May 26–31, 2025, the Ministry found several violations by PT Gag Nikel (GN), PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP), PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM), PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP).

Here are the violations found by the Environment Ministry:

1. PT Gag Nikel (GN)

Operates on Gag Island, which is 6,030 hectares — classified as a small island. The company’s mining contract covers 13,136 hectares, all within protected forest areas.

Though allowed to mine in protected forests based on Law No. 19 of 2004, the company’s activities are now being re-evaluated because of potential environmental threats to the island’s fragile ecosystem.

Restoration orders will be issued due to the impact of their mining activities.

2. PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP)

Holds permits on Manuran Island (746.86 Ha, a small island) and Waigeo Island (9,500 Ha).

On Manuran, ASP has caused high levels of sediment and water pollution due to a broken settling pond. The site has been sealed for investigation. The Waigeo location overlaps with a designated Nature Reserve.

The government will order a review of the company’s environmental permits and pursue legal action for pollution and damage caused.

3. PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM)

Operates on Kawe Island (4,561 Ha, small island), with permits covering 5,922 Ha. Found mining outside approved forest-use areas by 5 Ha.

Environmental approval will be re-evaluated. Legal action will be taken for encroaching on protected forest zones.

4. PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP)

Conducted exploration on Manyaifun Island (21 Ha) and Batang Pele Island (2,031 Ha), both small islands.

Operated without required environmental documents or permits to use forest land. The company will be ordered to cease operations immediately.