Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all mining activities in Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua Province, comply with applicable laws and regulations.
This includes environmental protection and the sustainability of coastal areas and small islands.
Currently, five mining companies hold official permits to operate in the Raja Ampat region.
According to the Ministry’s official statement, two of these companies have obtained permits from the central government: PT Gag Nikel, which has held a Production Operation Permit since 2017, and PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP), which has held its permit since 2013.
The remaining three companies received their permits from the Regent of Raja Ampat: PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP), PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM), and PT Nurham.
Companies Licensed by the Central Government
- PT Gag Nikel
This company holds a 7th Generation Contract of Work (KK) covering 13,136 hectares on Gag Island and has entered the Production Operation phase based on Ministerial Decree No. 430.K/30/DJB/2017, valid until November 30, 2047. PT Gag Nikel obtained its Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) in 2014, followed by an AMDAL Addendum in 2022, and an AMDAL Type A Addendum issued last year by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Its Forest Area Utilization Permit (IPPKH) was granted in 2015 and 2018, and its Work Area Arrangement (PAK) was issued in 2020. As of 2025, the total mining area opened is 187.87 hectares, with 135.45 hectares already reclaimed. The company has not yet discharged any wastewater, pending the issuance of an Operational Feasibility Certificate (SLO). - PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP)
PT ASP holds a Production Operation Permit under Ministerial Decree No. 91201051135050013, issued on January 7, 2024, and valid until January 7, 2034. The company operates on a 1,173-hectare site on Manuran Island. For environmental compliance, PT ASP holds an AMDAL document and an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (UKL-UPL), both issued in 2006 by the Raja Ampat Regency Government.
Companies Licensed by the Regional Government
- PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP)
MRP holds a Mining Business Permit (IUP) based on Regent Decree No. 153.A of 2013, valid for 20 years until February 26, 2033, covering 2,193 hectares on Batang Pele Island. The company is still in the exploration phase (drilling) and has yet to acquire environmental documents or approvals. - PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM)
KSM operates under an IUP granted by Regent Decree No. 290 of 2013, valid until 2033, covering an area of 5,922 hectares. The company holds a Forest Area Utilization Permit (IPPKH) based on a 2022 decree by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Although production began in 2023, there are currently no active mining operations. - PT Nurham
This company holds an IUP under Regent Decree No. 8/1/IUP/PMDN/2025, valid until 2033, covering 3,000 hectares on Waigeo Island. It received environmental approval from the Raja Ampat Regency Government in 2013. The company has not yet begun production.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources emphasized that all mining activities in Raja Ampat are being strictly and transparently monitored.
Oversight includes legal compliance, environmental protection, and adherence to conservation and protected forest areas.
Evaluation is carried out in accordance with Law No. 27 of 2007 on the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands, which mandates that reclamation must consider technical, environmental, and social benefits.
On Saturday (June 7), Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia visited Gag Island to inspect PT Gag Nikel’s operations and hear directly from local communities.
The ministry has also deployed a team of mining inspectors to conduct technical evaluations of all Mining Business Permit Areas (WIUP) in Raja Ampat.
The results will inform future policy and decisions by the Minister.
While all companies currently possess official permits, the government stresses that continuous evaluation is necessary to maintain a balance between environmental sustainability and economic activity. (*)
