Commission VII Of The House Of Representatives Questions The Government's Consistency In Revoking Permits For 4 Nickel Mines In Raja Ampat

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission VII DPR Evita Nursanty welcomed President Prabowo Subianto's move to revoke the mining business license (IUP) of four companies in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua.

However, he reminded the Government to ensure that the policy of closing problematic mines continues to be consistent, not only when it is controversial.

"Don't let it subside later, mining activities will run again," said Evita, Wednesday, June 10.

Evita also asked for accountability from related parties for the land clearing and mining activities that had been running from the closed IUP.

"Companies must be responsible for reforestation and returning areas that enter conservation as usual," he said.

Furthermore, Evita highlighted the Government's supervision regarding issued permits for mining activities in small islands in Raja Ampat, such as on Kawe Island to Manuran Island. He considered that the mineral downstream agenda should continue to consider permanent damage to strategic assets that are much more sustainable economically and socially.

"It turns out that it is ironic, Indonesia sells downstream in international forums, but in the field, we actually mine in places that we should guard desperately. This is not just negligence, but is an inappropriate step," he explained.

Based on Greenpeace's report, the exploitation of nickel on three small islands in Raja Ampat has destroyed more than 500 hectares of the forest and the natural vegetation of Raja Ampat. According to Evita, the nickel mines are destroying the future of world-class tourism which has proven to have a direct impact on the people's economy.

"The King of Ampat is not only the pride of Papua, but an international brand that is far more valuable than just exports of ferronicles. It's not aboutRATEs, it's about long-term economic value," he said.

Evita also criticized the Government's approach to imposing mining-based industrialization without ecosystem calculations. He assessed that the government forgot Raja Ampat tourism contributed about 15 percent of Regional Original Revenue (PAD) in 2020, with a value of IDR 7 billion.

"If we take an honest measurement, how many foreign exchanges are included in tourism fees, local homestays, and foreign tourist visits? Even in the midst of a pandemic, this sector still contributes more than IDR 7 billion to PAD," said Evita.

"Don't be at stake for mining projects that could only benefit certain parties," he added.

The leadership of the Commission in the DPR in charge of tourism and investment affairs also highlighted the potential for damage to coral reefs due to the traffic of nickel carriers. Evita again reminded the Government not to sacrifice strategic tourism for the realization of unequal downstreaming.

One barge passes, it can damage a coral ecosystem. Are we ready to lose the world's best dive spot due to nickel logistics traffic? " he said.

Evita also emphasized that the concept of added value does not only have to go through mineral processing. According to him, tourism is also a form of downstreaming from nature to experience, and from culture to foreign exchange.

"But the difference is, tourism is not damaging. Nickel can run out, but the panorama of Raja Ampat can feed his people until generations decline if managed wisely," said Evita.

Evita then gave an example of Sweden limiting mining activities in its country, especially in conservation areas such as in the Laponia region which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Whereas around Laponia has the potential for iron ore but Sweden prohibits the opening of mines because of the region.

This is because in Laponia there are conservation areas such as Abisko National Park and traditional areas of Sami natives, known as people who depend on activities such as deer farming, fisheries, and handicrafts. Evita said that Indonesia should also consider the same thing.

"Don't sacrifice our conservation area which has a lot of value. There is not only natural wealth, but we have indigenous peoples who must also be protected," said the legislator from the Central Java III electoral district.

For this reason, Evita asked for the Government's commitment to upholding the principle of sustainable development in Raja Ampat which has a large biodiversity value. According to him, the revocation of this permit should not stop on the administrative aspect alone.

"So we encourage the government to immediately follow up with audits and recovery on the impact of environmental damage that has occurred, as well as ensure that the reclamation and restoration of the ecosystem runs according to standards," explained Evita.

Evita emphasized the importance of corporate responsibility in ensuring that it fulfills its obligations to social and environmental responsibilities.

"Including the allocation of reclamation and compensation funds for affected communities. And ensuring recognition and protection of customary areas as well as the active involvement of local communities in sustainable resource management," he explained.

Evita also asked the central government to oversee spatial planning and investment policies in the regions, especially in conservation areas. This is to prevent similar incidents in the future.

"Don't be negligent with the issuance of mining permits in geopark areas and strategic tourism," said Evita.

Evita also ensured that Commission VII of the DPR would continue to oversee this process through the supervisory function of the council. "We will ensure that the Raja Ampat problem is resolved seriously and responsibly. Because Raja Ampat is the natural masterpiece of the world that is the pride of Indonesia," he said.

"The approach to Papua, especially Raja Ampat, should not prioritize resource exploitation, but must prioritize the preservation and welfare of local communities," said Evita.

As is known, the Government on the orders of President Prabowo Subianto officially revoked the mining business license (IUP) of four companies on the small islands of Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. The four companies were revoked because of various considerations, one of which was because violations were found.

The government revoked mining permits for 4 of the 5 companies in Raja Ampat. The four companies whose permits were revoked were PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining.

Meanwhile, PT GAG Nickel, which was highlighted by the permit, was not revoked because based on the results of the Government's evaluation, the company complied with environmental regulations and good waste management in accordance with the analysis regarding the environmental impact of hridup (Amdal). Even so, the Government will continue to oversee mining in the mining area of PT GAG which operates with the status of the Production Operation Work Contract permit.

The reasons for the four company's permits were revoked, including because there were violations, operating in areas that must be protected in conservation areas. Then from an environmental perspective, the IUP belonging to the four companies also partially entered the geopark area.