Raja Ampat, Nickel Mining and YOU!
We all know about the beauty and diversity of Raja Ampat, but all is not well in the area. If you have been following this website or any number of social media channels you know Raja is presently suffering from numerous factors.
A “pristine” coral reef in Raja Ampat’s Dampier Strait (Chicken Reef)
1. The largest world-wide coral bleaching event in history has hit central Raja and the Dampier Strait region, especially hard.
2. While Raja has become…a, perhaps “the”, hotspot for diving and snorkeling in the last two decades, the population has increased dramatically. The number of visitors and the domestic population have soared. The region is suffering from the lack of adequate planning, specifically in regards to waste disposal and sewage treatment infrastructure.
3. Tourism has been a blessing for the local population by providing much needed employment in a non-extractive industry. But too many tourists, concentrated in the Dampier region, is becoming a curse. Too many divers on popular divesites is affecting reef health. Too many divers at manta cleaning stations are stressing the animals. Too many liveaboards are a becoming a problem, especially when they dive areas easily accessible from land-based operations.
4. Nickel Mining…the topic of today’s post…is becoming a serious problem as well.
All these issues are being discussed and evaluated by the government. Solutions exist and hopefully will be implemented, soon!
Solutions:
1. Coral Bleaching is a global issue therefore global actions* are necessary to mitigate further devastating events.
2. *The lack of proper waste and sewage treatment, however, is a local issue which exacerbates bleaching. For those that don’t know, coral bleaching is not just an issue of simply the water being too hot. Coral bleaches when stressed. Coral is a sensitive animal that prefers clear nutrient-poor water. When sea water becomes too hot or too cold, too nutrient rich, or too turbid, coral will bleach. If conditions return to “normal” bleaching reverses and the coral recovers. Proper waste and sewage management can be achieved by proper governmental investment and regulations.
3. Tourism growth must and can be managed in a sustainable way. Again the government must take steps to manage the industry that helped create the area.
4. Nickel mining is an industry that should be stopped if we want Raja to continue to be the world’s most biodiverse marine environment. And all of us play a part in the solution!
PT Gag Nikel’s mine on Gag Island
It is important to understand the legality and history of mining in Raja.
Nickel mining is not that new to Raja. The first mine, owned by PT Gag Nikel (PT GN), began operation on Gag island in the early 2000’s. Now thirteen, yes thirteen, companies have legal mining status in Raja according to a 2004 law, although presently PT GN is the only one that is fully operational.
Due to unprecedented public outcry on behalf of Raja, the issue of mining is presently being addressed at the highest level of government. Last week Greenpeace Indonesia published videos showing the environmental damage. One clip alone racked up more than 15 million Instagram views! YOUR voice matters.
At a press conference on June 8, 2025, Environment and Forestry Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that open-pit mining is generally prohibited in protected forests, as stipulated in Forestry Law No. 41/1999. However, Law No. 19/2004, which ratifies a prior government regulation, allows 13 CoWs (Contract of Work), including PT GN, to legally conduct open-pit mining in such areas. So, Gag Nikel’s activities are (sadly) considered legal!
But that is not the end of the story…
Gag Island is classified as a small island, where mining is prohibited under Law No. 1/2014, which amended Law No. 27/2007. Article 23(1) of the law states that the use of small islands must follow a unified ecological and economic approach with nearby larger islands. Such areas should be prioritized for conservation, education, research, aquaculture, tourism, and other sustainable activities. Article 35(k) of the same law prohibits mineral mining if it causes environmental harm or social disruption.
Minister Hanif stated that pre-existing permits must be aligned with the new law within three years. The ministry is re-evaluating PT GN’s environmental approval, considering Gag Island is classified as a small island and Raja Ampat’s ecosystem is fragile. Restoration will be mandated for any resulting damage.
Currently, mining operations for all five companies, including PT GN, have been temporarily suspended by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that technical evaluations are underway for all mining permit areas (WIUP) in the region.
Minister Bahlil is presently in Raja to observe the situation and speak with the locals. “The findings will be verified and analyzed by our inspectorate team,” said Bahlil. Although these companies hold valid permits, the ministry will continue conducting comprehensive evaluations to maintain balance between environmental sustainability and economic activity.
Of the 13 companies that have the legal right to mine in Raja, only 5 have operational status.
Profiles of the Five Nickel Mining Companies in Raja Ampat:
- PT Gag Nikel The only company currently in production. Registered in MODI, with permits valid from 2017 to 2047, covering 13,136 ha. Originally owned 75% by Australia’s Asia Pacific Nickel and 25% by Antam. Since 2008, fully owned by Antam. (License deemed valid on June 10, 2025.)
- PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP) A subsidiary of PT Wanxiang Nickel Indonesia (affiliated with China’s Vansun Group), operates on Manuran Island (746 ha). Found lacking proper environmental management, causing marine sedimentation. Violates Law No. 1/2014. (License revoked on June 10, 2025.)
- PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM) Established in 2023, holds a 2013 IUP (Mini n b Business License) covering 5,922 ha. Began mining in Block C in 2024. Illegally mined 5 ha beyond its permitted area, causing sedimentation on beaches and mangroves. (License revoked on June 10, 2025.)
- PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP) Holds IUP for 2,194 ha on Manyaifun and Batang Pele islands. Lacks forest land use approval. Started exploration on May 9, 2025, and was sanctioned for operating without environmental approval. (License revoked on June 10, 2025.)
- PT Nurham Listed as a mining company in Raja Ampat but not yet producing. Registered in Papua Provincial Government’s procurement system. No detailed public information available. (License revoked on June 10, 2025.)
Nickel mining does provide employment but any “extractive” industry, i. e. fishing, logging, mining, has the potential to damage Raja’s fragile environment.
What can YOU do?
Let the officials know you are against mining in Raja by signing the linked Greenpeace Indonesia Petition. It only take seconds (see below).
Note: The highlighted link will take you to Greenpeace Indonesia’s #Save Raja Ampat page, which is written in Indonesian. After clicking on the link,
Scroll down until you see this page
Click on the Orange “Selamatkan Raja Ampat” (Save Raja Ampat) button and English instructions will appear (see next)
All you need to do is fill in your name and email address…disregard the other two blank spaces. When you finish Click the Selamatkan Raja Ampat button again and you should see
Terima kasish means thank you. Raja Ampat and its people thank you!
Two days of governmental deliberation and evaluation have past and the situation is much changed…for the better!
JUST In…On June 10, 2025 the government revoked 4 out of 5 nickel mining business licenses (IUP). The announcement was delivered by State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi. Prasetyo explained that the revocation resulted from a comprehensive evaluation involving several ministries, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral resources (ESDM), the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Ministry of State Secretariat and the Cabinet Secretariat. Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto led a meeting specifically addressing mining permits in Raja Ampat and following his directive the government revoked the licenses.
This is s HUGE win for Raja, it’s people and those of us who cherish the environment!
Even though the government has been undertaking a revision of regulatory efforts prior to the public’s demands, Parsetyo acknowledged the public’s concern and the important role of civil society in monitoring environmental issues and sharing info with the authorities. He said the the community’s active involvement helped accelerate the evaluation and decision-making process and that the public should remain actively involved.
Therefore it’s still very important to submit the above petition!
The only license not revoked was PT Gag’s Nikel license (IUP). Bahlil explained that PT Gag Nikel had submitted the required Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) while the other four had not. Unlike the four companies whose licenses were revoked, Gag Island is not located with the Raja Ampat Geopark area nor did inspectors find any damage to Gag’s reefs or marine pollution. In contrast the four other compienes were found to have multiple issues, including environmental violations and legal non-compliance with evolving national polices.
Referring to the four companies, Minister Bahlil said “they have violated” regulations. “We believe this region must be protected.”
All this is VERY, VERY good news but the battle is not over. ON June 12, 2025 Greenpeace ID will highlight threats from more licenses and a planned nickel smelter!
So PLEASE keep up the pressure, submit the above petition and tell your friends to do it too!
