Meeting Commission IV Of The Indonesian House Of Representatives, This Is PT Weda Bay Nickel's Response To Land Confiscation

Chairman of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Siti Hediati Soeharto, exchanged souvenirs with the Governor of North Maluku, Sherly Tjoanda. (IST)

TERNATE – During a clarification meeting attended by the Chair of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Siti Hediati Soeharto, Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni, North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda, and regional heads in Ternate, North Maluku, on Tuesday (23/9/2025), WBN management mentioned PT Position as another party involved in the disputed area. PT. Weda Bay Nickel (WBN) emphasised that most of the land confiscated by the Forest Area Control Task Force (Satgas PKH) did not belong to them.

Weda Bay Nickel (WBN) emphasised that most of the land confiscated by the Forest Area Control Task Force (Satgas PKH) did not belong to them. During a clarification meeting in front of the Chair of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Siti Hediati Soeharto, the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, the Governor of North Maluku, and regional heads in Ternate, North Maluku, on Tuesday (23/9/2025), WBN management named PT Position as another party involved in the disputed area.

WBN representative Yudi said that WBN has been the largest nickel miner and supplier in North Maluku. The company is also active in implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes in the form of electricity infrastructure development, flood management, and support for education and community welfare.

"We are one of the largest mining companies in North Maluku. PT Weda Bay Nickel and PT IWIP employ a significant number of workers and utilise mining resources in this region,” said Yudi.

He explained that out of the total 148 hectares seized, approximately 14 hectares consist of burned forest with no company activities. Meanwhile, 87 hectares are located in another mining area that has already been designated as a Work Area (PAK) under the name of PT Position. "If there is already a PAK designation, then it is recognised as their property. The road on that land does not belong to us, so it should not be associated with our activities," he said.

Only 30-35 hectares intersect with WBN's activities, and that is due to technical factors such as landslides along the mining road. The road was forced to deviate slightly from the designated area for safety reasons, with relatively minor impacts.

Yudi emphasised that WBN respects the PKH Task Force and is prepared to comply with the regulations, including paying fines if necessary. Supporting documents have been submitted directly to the Minister of Forestry and the Chair of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives. WBN also holds five Forest Area Borrow-to-Use Permits (IPPKH) for production operations. Four of these are currently undergoing rehabilitation, one has been completed, one is under evaluation, and three others are still being processed.

"We hope to be given the opportunity to improve and fulfil our obligations in accordance with applicable regulations," concluded Yudi.

Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni, who was also present at the meeting during the House of Representatives Commission IV working visit, emphasised his commitment to tightening supervision of licensing and Forest Area Use Permits (PPKH). "Development as a necessity must be balanced between the economy and ecology. SOPs and PPKH evaluations will be tightened, and violations will be dealt with in coordination with Commission IV of the House of Representatives," he said.

Following this, WBN hopes that the negative perception of land confiscation can be rectified while reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and social contribution in North Maluku.