Bahlil Challenges Greenpeace to Prove Claims of Three New Mining Permits

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has invited Greenpeace to prove its claim that three new mining permits have been issued in the Raja Ampat area of Southwest Papua. Bahlil insisted that the government has never issued new permits as alleged by the environmental organisation.

The government has taken firm action on mining activity in Raja Ampat by revoking a number of mining business permits (IUP). Currently, he said, only one company remains in operation because it complies with the applicable regulations.

“Where is Greenpeace? Yes, ask them to prove it. Where are these three new permits? Just prove it,” Bahlil told reporters in Jakarta on Monday (3/8/2026).

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources explained that the government had previously evaluated all mining permits in the Raja Ampat region. Following the evaluation, several IUPs were revoked, while one permit held by PT GAG Nikel was retained as it was deemed to meet both legal and technical requirements. He stressed that no new permits had been added after the evaluation process was carried out.

He called on all parties to prioritise verifiable data when conveying information to the public. According to him, allegations about the existence of three new mining permits must be clearly proven so as not to cause confusion among the public.

Bahlil affirmed that the government remains committed to balancing the utilisation of natural resources with environmental protection. Therefore, every policy in the mining sector will be based on a thorough evaluation of legal aspects, environmental considerations, and the national interest.