HIPMI Regarding Minister Bahlil Revoking 4 Nickel Raja Ampat Mining IUPs: Strengthen A Healthy Investment Ecosystem

JAKARTA - Secretary General of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (Sekjen HIPMI) who is also the General Chair of the Association of Indonesian Energy, Coal and Mineral Suppliers (ASPEBINDO) Anggawira appreciates and supports quick and decisive steps from the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, regarding the nickel mining polemic in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua.

"The decline directly by the Minister to the field is a form of responsible leadership and shows that the state is here to listen to the voices of the people. This also emphasizes the importance of maintaining sovereignty in the governance of natural resources," said Anggawira when contacted, Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Responding to the issue of mining distance to tourist areas, Anggawira explained that based on initial verification, the mine site was about 30'40 kilometers from the main tourist destination on Piaynemo Island.

According to him, from a technical point of view and environmental regulations, the distance is still relatively safe as long as mining operations comply with legal and environmental ethics provisions according to the Analysis on Environmental Impacts or AMDAL.

"The important thing is that mining activities must be in accordance with AMDAL documents, carry out reclamation and post-mining according to regulations, and respect the rights of indigenous peoples by applying the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)," he said.

Anggawira added that the approach taken by the government is not only about law enforcement, but also building public trust in the business world and state policies. That way, it proves that economic development and environmental conservation can go hand in hand, as long as there is a commitment to sustainability principles.

"Indonesia is heading for a green economy transition. The mines that are managed responsibly become part of the global supply chain for clean energy, such as electric vehicle batteries. This supports our national climate commitment," said Anggawira.

Not only that, Anggawira also responded to the policy of revocation of four Mining Business Permits (IUP) in Raja Ampat, which was recently announced by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia and Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi. Also present were Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni.

It is said that this step is a form of control that actually strengthens a healthy investment ecosystem.

"We support the policy of revoking the IUP by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, because this is a firm step in ensuring that only investors who comply with the law and have a sustainable commitment can operate," he said.

Revocation of the IUP is in accordance with the mandate of Law no. 3 of 2020 concerning Minerba, Government Regulation Number 96 of 2021, and Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2022 which emphasizes the importance of controlling permits and utilizing land.

"This is not an anti-investment form, it is the opposite. This is a natural selection for investors who are serious, legal, and long-term oriented. What needs to be maintained is transparency in the evaluation and involvement of local communities, including indigenous peoples," concluded Anggawira.

Anggawira also emphasized that the lifting of the IUP was not the end of the development of the mining sector in Raja Ampat, but rather the beginning of the arrangement of a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable investment climate.

"The lifting of the IUP is not the end of the development of the mining industry in Raja Ampat, but rather the beginning of the arrangement of the investment ecosystem," said Anggawira.