Expert Calls Revocation Of IUP 4 Mining In Raja Ampat The Right Decision Of The Government

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Geological Experts Association (IAGI) and President Director of PT. Geofix Indonesia, Stj Budi Santoso, assessed that the government's decision or move to revoke the Mining Business License (IUP) of four companies in the Raja Ampat area, Southwest Papua, was the right step.

Moreover, the decision has gone through various kinds of considerations in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.

"This kind of decision should be based on careful legal considerations, not just following the pressure of certain parties, because it involves certainty of doing business in the mining sector," said Budi, Tuesday, June 11.

From a geological point of view, Budi explained that the main tourist area of Raja Ampat was indeed composed of the gamping stone 'Formation Waigeo' which experienced lifting from the seabed and then experienced a cartification process forming a beautiful cluster of islands.

However, he admitted that there was no data confirming whether the limestone deposit was composed by an ultramaffic rock complex that has the potential to become a rock from the formation of laterite nickel deposits.

"Ugeologically, the potential for nickel laterite deposits is actually developing in the IUP-IUP location area which is currently active and some areas around it," said Budi.

Therefore, it was emphasized the importance of a scientific data-based approach in managing nickel mining in the region. In addition, the company is also asked to be more transparent in conveying its compliance with various existing regulations, even in accordance with applicable international governance standards.

Budi also emphasized that the management of mineral resources that can sometimes intersect with tourist areas or areas with certain other designations really requires a balance between economic, environmental and social aspects by consistently implementing good mining practices (good mining practices) and compliance with environmental, social, and governance principles as well as sustainability.

"With a precise scientific approach and constructive dialogue, we can find common ground that benefits all parties, so that natural resource management in this region is sustainable," said Budi.

It is known, the government decided to revoke the Mining Business License (IUP) for four mines in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua.

This was decided immediately after President Prabowo Subianto summoned several of his ministers to the Palace, such as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni and Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.

The four companies whose IUPs were revoked include PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Nurham. Meanwhile, the permit for a nickel contract owned by PT Gag Nickel, which is a subsidiary of BUMN Antam, was not revoked by the government.

"And yesterday the President chaired a limited meeting, one of which discussed mining business permits in Raja Ampat. On the President's instructions, he decided that the government would revoke mining permits in four companies in Raja Ampat. Then we Ratas and also from the (Ministry) of Environment also conveyed that in the implementation of the four companies there were violations in the environmental context," said Bahlil Lahadalia at the Presidential Office, Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, June 10.

Bahlil also said the four mines whose permits were revoked were located in the Raja Ampat geopark or tourist area. The permits of these four companies were issued prior to the implementation of the Raja Ampat Geopark.

"In our opinion, this area must be protected by looking at the sustainability of marine biota. These permits are given before geoparks occur. Meanwhile, the President wants to make Raja Ampat a world tourism," he said.