Nickel Raja Ampat Mine Triggers Public Reaction, KLHK Reviews Environmental Permits

The rise of activities of nickel mining companies in coastal areas and small islands of Raja Ampat sparked public concerns about the impact of environmental damage.

This spotlight prompted the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) to take firm steps to re-evaluate the environmental permits that have been granted to four nickel mining companies in the area.

In a press conference held in Jakarta, Sunday, June 8, LHK Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that the evaluation process was carried out based on Law Number 1 of 2014 concerning Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands, as well as referring to the two highest court decisions, the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court which prohibit mining activities on small islands without exception.

In addition to administrative evaluations, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry is also taking action against two companies that are considered to have caused real environmental damage, namely PT ASP and PT MRP. According to Hanif, PT ASP is known to carry out mining activities on Manuran Island without an adequate environmental management system, which causes sea water pollution and increased unrest around the coast.

"We have sealed the location of the PT ASP mine, and the legal process is currently underway. Including possible criminal and civil sanctions," he said.

Hanif also revealed that the PT ASP environmental documents were still published by the Raja Ampat Regency Government and had not yet been submitted to the central government. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry will ask for the document to be reviewed, given the impact of the damage that has been caused.

On the other hand, a similar case was found at PT KSM operating on Kawei Island and PT MRP on Manyaifun Island. PT KSM is reported to have cleared land outside the permitted area, while PT MRP only has a Mining Business License (IUP) without environmental documents. Both activities have been temporarily suspended by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

"For PT KSM, we noted that there was a land clearing of about five hectares outside the valid permit. Meanwhile, PT MRP does not yet have environmental documents at all. Because activities take place on small islands that enter protected areas, it is impossible for us to give environmental permits under such conditions," explained Hanif.

Unlike the three companies, mining activities by PT GAG Nickel on Gag Island are still considered in the corridor of law. This company is included in the list of exceptions that are allowed to carry out activities in protected forests based on Law no. 19 of 2004. However, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry will still carry out periodic monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

"Gag Island is an ecologically sensitive area. Even though PT GAG Nickel has all legal permits, strict supervision is still carried out to maintain the ecosystem," concluded Hanif.