Jakarta – The administration of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has officially revoked the mining business permits (IUP) of four nickel mining companies operating in Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua. The decision was announced by Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi in a press conference on Monday (June 9), as part of the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and strengthening the management of natural resources nationwide—beyond just one region or sudden action.

Prasetyo emphasized that this policy was not a spontaneous move but rather the continuation of a strategic government initiative that began earlier this year.

“It is important for everyone to understand that since January, the government has issued a Presidential Regulation on forest area enforcement, which includes businesses based on natural resources, including the mining sector,” Prasetyo explained.

He further clarified that the revocation of the IUPs in Raja Ampat is part of a broader process, in alignment with Presidential Regulation No. 5 of 2025 on Forest Area Enforcement, which President Prabowo signed in January.

“Regarding the current public discussion on mining permits in Raja Ampat, this is merely one component of the wider enforcement efforts being implemented by the government,” he stated.

The decision to revoke these permits was made after President Prabowo led a closed meeting with key officials, including the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Minister of Environment and Forestry. The process involved inter-ministerial coordination and direct field verification to ensure the accuracy of data.

“Yesterday, the President chaired a restricted meeting, which included discussions on mining permits in Raja Ampat. Based on his directives, he decided that the government would revoke the mining permits of four companies in the region,” Prasetyo added.

Additionally, Prasetyo expressed the government’s appreciation for the public—especially social media activists—who have actively contributed insights and information. He acknowledged that public awareness plays a vital role in shaping data-driven and fact-based policy decisions.

“On behalf of the government, we sincerely thank all members of the public who continue to provide feedback and information—particularly social media activists who have shared their concerns and input with the government,” he said.

“We must all remain critical and vigilant when receiving public information and be cautious in seeking out objective truths on the ground,” he concluded.