Minister Of Environment Claims To Guarantee PT Gag Nickel's Layered Supervision In Raja Ampat

Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq when delivering a statement at the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, Tuesday (10/6/2025). ANTARA/Andi Firdaus/aa.

JAKARTA - Minister of Environment (LH) Hanif Faisol Nurofiq ensured an increase in supervision of environmental governance for PT Gag Nickel, which is back in operation in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua.

Minister of Environment and Environment Control Agency (BPLH) Hanif conveyed that an environmental audit had been carried out on PT Gag Nickel, which has the results of the evaluation of the Company's Performance Assessment Program (PROPER) showing the company was ranked green.

"So the President's direction, although we did not withdraw the Gag, but the supervision must be multi-layered. We have done it, so routinely we will increase the intensity of visits to Gag," said Hanif as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, September 11.

He explained that in carrying out President Prabowo Subianto's request to increase supervision of the mining activities of companies on the small island, his party had compiled an environmental audit added to the company's environmental approval.

"So there is an additional supervisory burden, additional components and supervisory variables. Then there is also an increase in the intensity of visits," said Hanif.

Previously, the government received complaints from the public regarding mining activities in Raja Ampat, because the location is a center of biodiversity with a vulnerable ecosystem if exposed to potential pollution.

The government has finally revoked four mining business permits (IUP) in Raja Ampat, because some of them are in a protected area. The four IUPs revoked are owned by PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Melia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Kawai Sejahtera.

Meanwhile, PT Gag Nickel, which is a subsidiary of PT Antam Tbk, was temporarily suspended for review and environmental audit. The company resumed operations on Wednesday (3/9).