JAKARTA - Natural damage due to industrial activity is an important focus in environmental conservation efforts, including in the Raja Ampat area which is known for its biodiversity.
The real impact of mining activities is starting to be felt, encouraging the government to take firm steps to protect vulnerable ecosystems.
Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said that his party is currently investigating further the impact of environmental damage that may be caused by nickel mining activities in the Raja Ampat area, Southwest Papua.
This search is part of a strict supervision instructed directly by President Prabowo Subianto.
In his statement after opening the 2025 Expo and Forum Environmental Day events in Jakarta on Sunday, Hanif explained that the President had taken firm steps by revoking four of the five mining business permits (IUP) operating in the area.
Our team is conducting a more thorough investigation. We have collected samples, and experts have been deployed to assess conditions on the ground. It is hoped that within one month we can publish the results," said Hanif.
He added that although damage can be seen directly at the location, scientific evidence is still needed through laboratory tests and analysis of environmental experts. These scientific results will later become a solid basis for establishing further policies, including the revocation of environmental approval.
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Until now, the Ministry of Environment together with the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) have frozen two of the four environmental approvals in the region. Meanwhile, two other companies are known to have not obtained environmental approval, so their activities will continue to be monitored and evaluated.
These steps are part of a thorough audit ordered by the President as a form of the government's responsibility for environmental sustainability in Indonesia, especially in sensitive areas such as Raja Ampat.
Regarding one mining company that is still allowed to operate, namely PT Gag Nickel, Minister Hanif explained that the company for the last four years obtained a good environmental performance assessment (PROPER) from the government.
Since before I took office, this company has earned consistent PROPER value both in the green and blue categories. They are also included in the list of 13 companies that are administratively allowed to mine, "he explained.
With continued tightened supervision and scientific data-based evaluation, the government is committed to preserving the environment in Raja Ampat and ensuring that industrial activities run according to sustainability principles.
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