Bahlil Will Evaluate IUP And Call Nickel Mining Owners In Raja Ampat

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia opened his voice regarding the nickel mining industry located in Southwest Papua that threatens Raja Ampat's tourism ecostites.

Bahlil said that he would evaluate the mining business permit (IUP) which threatens tourism located west of the Papua Island Bird's Head.

"I will also evaluate later," Bahlil told the media crew, Tuesday, June 3.

In addition to conducting an evaluation, Bahlil, who claimed to have held a meeting with the relevant Director General (Dirjen), will also summon the mine owner.

"I have a meeting with my director general, I will call the owner, whether it's BUMN or private, we really have to respect it," said Bahlil.

Furthermore, Bahlil suspects that there is local wisdom that has not been considered adequately in the management of this nickel mining. For this reason, he ensures that he will evaluate and summons the mine owner

"This is possible, I see, there are local wisdom that has not been properly touched. So I will try to evaluate it," he said.

Nevertheless, he continued, mining activities should also take special autonomy status into account in the Papua region.

"Regarding the mine in Raja Ampat, this is indeed a special autonomy, yes. There are several aspirations that the mine is in Papua, especially in Raja Ampat, they want their smelter there," he explained.

The former chairman of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (Hipmi) did not explain further regarding the follow-up, such as closing and restricting nickel mining activities, but he ensured that the evaluation of the IUP would be carried out based on the results of an analysis study on Environmental Impact (Amdal).

"Later, we will adjust the mine to the amdal only. What kind of Amdal is, we will definitely follow the rules," said Bahlil.