Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – In response to growing public concern over environmental issues in Raja Ampat, the Ministry of Forestry has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the region’s forest areas.
Director General of Forestry Planning, Ade Triaji Kusumah, stated that Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni has given firm instructions not to issue any new Forest Area Utilization Permits (PPKH) in Raja Ampat.
In an official release, the Ministry of Forestry stated that, to date, two PPKH have been issued in the Raja Ampat area—one in 2020 and another in 2022.
Both were based on mining sector permits, namely Mining Business Licenses (IUP) and environmental approvals valid at the time.
“As a response to concerns about potential environmental degradation in high conservation value areas like Raja Ampat, the Minister of Forestry has instructed a temporary halt on the issuance of new PPKH. In essence, new permits are being suspended, while existing ones are being evaluated and closely monitored,” said Ade Triaji Kusumah.
Raja Ampat is an ecologically rich ecosystem with high cultural value.
Therefore, the Ministry of Forestry will prioritize the protection of this region.
This step aligns with Indonesia’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and the empowerment of indigenous and local communities as stewards of sustainable forests.
“We will also continue to strengthen coordination with relevant agencies, local governments, and civil society to ensure that all forms of development in Raja Ampat proceed sustainably and do not threaten environmental preservation,” Ade concluded. *
