Commission IV Of The House Of Representatives Urges Investigation Of Nickel Mining Permits In Raja Ampat

The mine site of PT Gag Nickel, located in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. (doc ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IV DPR RI, Daniel Johan, urged a thorough investigation of the party that granted a nickel mining permit in the Raja Ampat area, Southwest Papua.

Previously, the government had revoked the mining permit because it was proven to damage the environment and was considered contrary to statutory provisions.

The four companies whose permits were revoked were PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining.

Daniel emphasized that granting mining permits in areas that have high ecological value such as Raja Ampat is a form of serious negligence and must be accounted for. He also expressed concern over the natural damage that had occurred and demanded accountability from the officials who issued the permit.

"We cannot just stop at revocation of permits. There must be an in-depth investigation into who issued the mining permit in the conservation area of Raja Ampat's class. This is a serious violation of the Environmental Law and the Forestry Law," said Daniel Johan, Wednesday, June 11.

According to Daniel, the Raja Ampat area is one of the most important marine and land ecosystems in the world. Where this location must be protected from destructive exploitation activities.

He considered that the entry of nickel mining activities into the area reflected weak supervision and the potential for abuse of authority in the licensing process.

'King Ampat is a treasure trove of world biodiversity. We have to ask, how can mining permits get out there? Who made it smooth?," said Daniel.

Daniel also requested that the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and law enforcement officials immediately take firm steps, including opening up the possibility of legal proceedings against officials or private parties involved.

The PKB legislator from the West Kalimantan electoral district stated that his party would seriously oversee this issue in parliament. As well as fully support law enforcement measures that favor environmental sustainability and justice of local indigenous peoples.

On the other hand, Daniel appreciated President Prabowo Subianto's move to firmly revoke the mining permit of four companies. According to him, the government heard the voices of people's rejection of the mine in Raja Ampat.

"Thank you President Prabowo for revoking the permit. We strongly support the president's firm steps," he concluded.