Jakarta — The administration of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has revoked four nickel mining permits (Izin Usaha Pertambangan / IUP) in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. The decision follows an on-site inspection and cross-ministerial coordination meeting, underscoring the government’s commitment to environmental preservation and legal compliance in the national mining sector.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced the move during a press conference on Monday (June 9), flanked by members of the Kabinet Merah Putih (Red-and-White Cabinet).
“The President ordered the revocation of four IUPs outside Gag Island. We’ve taken immediate action—effective today, these permits are officially canceled,” Bahlil stated.
The revocation comes after a temporary halt on all mining activities in Raja Ampat, imposed on June 5, just one day after Eid al-Adha. Bahlil and his team had flown to Sorong and Raja Ampat to assess conditions firsthand.
Of the five companies holding permits in the region, only PT Gag Nikel met all technical and legal requirements, including its 2025 Work Plan and Budget (RKAB). Operating since 1972 outside the Raja Ampat Geopark zone, PT Gag has adhered to environmental standards aligned with its Environmental Impact Assessment (Amdal).
“PT Gag Nikel is the sole firm with an approved RKAB this year. Its site lies roughly 42 kilometers from Piaynemo Geopark and is geographically closer to North Maluku. Of its 260-hectare concession, 54 hectares have already been returned to the state,” Bahlil clarified.
He dismissed widespread social media reports of coral reef damage near Piaynemo as “not fully accurate,” urging the public to verify information and avoid reacting to misleading visuals.
The revocations followed direct consultations with local authorities, including the Governor of Southwest Papua and the Raja Ampat Regent. Though permits fall under regional jurisdiction, the central government prioritized resolution over blame.
“This isn’t about pointing fingers. We’re solving this with data and concrete action. Our role is to balance development and conservation,” Bahlil emphasized.
The move aligns with broader efforts to reform mining governance, ensuring sustainable investment and environmental protection. Since January 21, 2025, President Prabowo has enforced Presidential Regulation No. 5/2025 on Forest Area Management, under which over 3 million hectares of forest land—including conflict-prone or ecologically sensitive zones—have been audited nationwide.
“We didn’t wait for this issue to go viral. Before public outcry, the President had already mandated forest management reforms through Perpres 5/2025. This is tangible commitment,” Bahlil added.
