Komnas HAM: Nickel Mining In Raja Ampat Has Strong Potential To Violate Rights

JAKARTA - The Indonesian National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) stated that nickel mining in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua has the potential to cause human rights violations, especially in the environmental sector.

"It has the potential to be very strong in causing human rights violations, especially in the field of the environment. Every citizen has rights and is guaranteed in the constitution to obtain the right to a healthy environment," said Komnas HAM RI Chairman Anis Hidayah at his office, Jakarta, Friday, June 13, quoted by Antara.

Komnas HAM emphasized that environmental destruction is contrary to the right to a good and healthy environment, as guaranteed by Article 28H paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution and Article 9 of Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights.

Based on preliminary data and facts, Komnas HAM found that there were six small islands in Raja Ampat that became the locations for nickel mining.

The mines are owned by five companies, namely PT Gag Nickel (Gag Island), PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (Kawei Island), PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (Manuran Island), PT Nurham ( Waigeo Island), and PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa ( Batang Pele Island and Manyaifun Island).

Of the five mining business license companies (IUP), four of them have carried out mining activities. Meanwhile, another company, namely PT Nurham, is said to have not carried out any activities on Waigeo Island.

According to Komnas HAM, the six islands are included in the category of small islands that should not be used for mining activities, as regulated in the UN Convention on Marine Law (UNCLOS) in 1981 and Law Number 1 of 2014 concerning Management of Coastal and Small Islands.

In addition, Anis added, extensive environmental damage and conflicts of natural resources also have the potential to cause horizontal social conflicts, namely between pro communities with mining and the counter-community.

Komnas HAM also highlighted four mining business permits (IUP) that have been revoked by the government this week. The four IUPs are owned by PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining.

Komnas HAM called the revocation of the IUP as a step forward to stop the destruction of the environment. However, these efforts are deemed necessary to be followed by concrete steps to restore the rights of the local community, including the restoration of the former mining site.

Therefore, Anis emphasized that Komnas HAM is paying serious attention to this case. His party will also go directly to monitor and investigate nickel mining in Raja Ampat next week.

"From this monitoring, later we will get more information facts about the entire process, yes, regarding the situation there, how is the condition of the community, how is the licensing process and others," said Anis.