Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Ministry of Environment / Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) has urged firm measures to address signs of environmental degradation caused by nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua Province.
“This area is the heart of global marine biodiversity and has been designated a National Strategic Conservation Area (KSKK) under Presidential Regulation No. 81 of 2023 concerning the Spatial Plan for the National Strategic Area of Raja Ampat Biodiversity Conservation,” said Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq in his official statement.
Hanif emphasized, “We will not allow a single inch of destruction in a region that is home to 75% of the world’s coral species and thousands of endemic species. Law enforcement and environmental restoration are our main commitments,” asserted Minister Hanif.
Raja Ampat is an extraordinary region. Its marine area lies at the center of the global coral triangle, hosting more than 553 coral species (75% of all known coral species worldwide), 1,070 reef fish species, and 699 species of mollusks.
On land, there are 874 plant species (9 endemic), 114 herpetofauna species (5 endemic), 47 mammal species (1 endemic), and 274 bird species (6 endemic). Its ecotourism potential is exceptional, making it a world-class travel destination.
However, according to reports from the public and media, there are nickel mining activities threatening Raja Ampat’s ecosystem. KLH/BPLH conducted direct inspections from May 26 to 31, 2025, across four companies: PT GN, PT ASP, PT KSM, and PT MRP.
PT GN operates on Gag Island, which is entirely designated as protected forest and classified as a small island. Its environmental permit will be reviewed, and KLH/BPLH will order ecological restoration for the resulting damage.
PT ASP operates on Manuran and Waigeo Islands. Inspections found pollution from a broken settling pond and activities within a nature reserve.
KLH/BPLH will require a reassessment of its environmental permit and pursue criminal and civil legal actions.
PT KSM conducts operations on Kawe Island, a small island within a production forest zone.
The inspection found activities outside the permitted area. Its environmental license will be reviewed, and legal proceedings will be initiated for forestry violations.
PT MRP has been exploring on Manyaifun and Batang Pele Islands without environmental documentation or Forest Area Utilization Permit (PPKH). Its activities have been halted, and legal action will follow.
KLH/BPLH will also draft the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) for Southwest Papua Province based on a Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS), prioritizing the protection of coastal areas and small islands.
This action is grounded in Law No. 1 of 2014 on the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands.
Raja Ampat is a symbol of Indonesia’s and the world’s natural wealth. Protecting it is a shared responsibility. KLH/BPLH ensures that all business permits and operations must align with ecosystem protection and the prevailing laws. (*)
