Minister Of Environment And Forestry Explores Criminal Potential After 4 IUPs In Raja Ampat Were Revoked

JAKARTA - Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that his ministry is investigating the potential criminal offenses of four companies whose mining business licenses (IUP) in Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua, were revoked by the government.

Hanif said the team from the Ministry of Environment (KLH) immediately left for the location of the mining permit issued in Raja Ampat Regency to check conditions in the field as well as to examine potential violations.

"There are three main approaches, starting from government administrative sanctions, then environmental disputes, and criminal lawsuits," said Hanif in response to reporters' questions when met at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday, June 10, reported by ANTARA.

Suspicion of the potential criminal offense arises due to mining activities carried out outside the norm.

"There is indeed potential there (a convict, ed) because there are several activities that are carried out outside the norms. This has criminal potential related to mining activities that have been carried out," said Hanif.

He emphasized that there was environmental damage, the perpetrators were obliged to carry out recovery.

"It does not mean (the permit) is revoked, then completed, the recovery will be carried out by the Ministry of Environment together with friends (Ministry) of Energy and Mineral Resources," he said.

The government on Tuesday announced the repeal of four mining business permits (IUP) pocketed by four companies in Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua. The four companies include PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Melia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Kawai Sejahtera.

"Yesterday (9/6), the President chaired a limited meeting, one of which discussed mining business permits in Raja Ampat, and on the instructions of the President, he decided that the government would revoke mining business permits for four companies in Raja Ampat Regency," said Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.

Meanwhile, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia explained that the four IUPs were revoked because some of their land was in the protected area of Geopark Raja Ampat.

"Technically, we also see some of them entering the Geopark area," said Bahlil explaining the reasons for the withdrawal of the IUP during a press conference.

The geopark area in Raja Ampat is a protected conservation area as regulated in statutory provisions.

The geopark area includes four main islands in Raja Ampat Regency, namely Waigeo Island, in the north (including the Wayag Islands located in the northernmost region), Batanta Island, Salawati Island in the central part, and Misool Island in the southern part.

The geopark area also includes waters between the large islands and the small islands around it.