Academics Express The Existence Of IUP In Raja Ampat Since The 1970s

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

JAKARTA - An energy expert from the Riau Islamic University, Ira Herawati, said that the Mining Business License (IUP) in the Raja Ampat area had indeed been published for a long time, even since the 1970s. This was conveyed by Ira in response to a statement conveyed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia some time ago.

"What Mr. Bahlil said is true, if for example the IUP has been around for a long time. And he only carries out according to the government regulations that he is currently doing. He said that the IUP seemed to attack when he was in office. Even though the IUP has been around for a long time," said Ira in a one-year discussion. Prabowo-Gibran Cabinet from Angle of View of Energy in Pekanbaru, Riau, Friday, November 14.

Therefore, he considered it inappropriate if criticism of the issuance of the Raja Ampat IUP was directed at the General Chair of the Golkar Party. Even Ira assessed that the government had shown its seriousness in managing mining governance in Indonesia. This, he said, was proven by the control of a number of IUPs in the Raja Ampat area by Minister Bahlil.

Previously, Bahlil revoked 4 of the 5 IUPs in Raja Ampat. According to Ira, Bahlil's move in addition to showing the seriousness of improving governance, also proves that the government listens to people's aspirations.

"Yes, if there is a revocation, it certainly meets the expectations of many residents, people who hope very broadly that the mining governance permit is revoked. By doing so, it means that it shows the government's seriousness in appreciating the requests of its citizens. And yes, of course, with the management of the mine, it also means that there is improvement," he said.

Regarding the existence of a company that is still being given by IUP in Raja Ampat, according to Ira, the decision must be based on appropriate feasibility studies. In addition, he said that the IUP which is now held by PT GAG had been given since the 1970s or long before Bahlil took office and was even born.

Meanwhile, a public communication expert from Riau University, Chelsy Yesicha, appreciated Minister Bahlil's firmness in controlling the IUP which would have a positive impact on his integrity. According to him, the current community needs consistent evidence of the government in protecting the environment.

Moreover, public trust in mining governance was shaky after negative framing of mining in Raja Ampat. However, he said Bahlil's move to curb the IUP was already on the track in growing public confidence in mining governance in Indonesia.

"I think one of them (grows public trust). We need time to restore trust. People already know about government culture, rhetoric and government promises. To restore it does take time and caution," he said.

For three money, the economist at Persada Bunda Indonesia University, Riyadi Mustofa, also confirmed that Raja Ampat's IUP was issued before Bahlil took office. Because prior to Government Regulation (PP) Number 22 of 2021 concerning the Implementation of Environmental Protection and Management, the authority to issue IUPs was in the hands of local, provincial and central governments. Only after the regulation was issued, the full authority was fully held by the center.

Riyadi said the government had also evaluated all IUPs, especially those in Raja Ampat, after the regulation emerged. If currently there are still mining companies that are still operating in Raja Ampat, he considers this because the company has met the requirements requested.

"If all regulations are obeyed, legally there is no problem. Problems arise when they are not in accordance with amdal documents because documents are legal consequences. Those who obey further and sustainability provide legal certainty. Because if environmental approval has been issued, it means legal. People are also involved in the AMDAL process through public consultations and commission assessments," said Riyadi.

Previously, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized that the issuance of the IUP in Raja Ampat had nothing to do with him. He said there were a number of parties who linked the issuance of mining permits in Raja Ampat with his current leadership. In fact, Bahlil explained that there were five IUPs in Raja Ampat, one of which was managed by state-owned enterprises (BUMN), namely PT Gag Nickel, a subsidiary of Antam, which has been a work contract since the 1970s

"My mother and my father haven't met, sir. This item already exists. I'm not on earth yet. But it's associated as if I'm taking care of it," Bahlil said in a working meeting with Commission XII DPR RI, in Jakarta, Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

According to Bahlil, the other four IUPs have actually been revoked by the government because various administrative and environmental violations were found. The revocation was carried out after a direct visit to the field. "The four companies that I withdrew had their IUPs issued in 2004 by the old regent. Because the old regime law was issued by the regional head and partly by the governor. We also revoked that," he said.