Government Revokes Four Mining Permits in Raja Ampat, Allows State-Owned PT Gag Nikel to Continue
Jakarta – The government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), has officially revoked the mining business permits (IUP) of four companies operating in the Raja Ampat area of Southwest Papua. The move was taken as a demonstration of commitment to environmental protection in the conservation zone. However, one company permitted to continue its mining activities is PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of PT Aneka Tambang (Antam).
Investment Minister and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that PT Gag Nikel is a state asset and has been conducting its operations in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) requirements.
"I have personally observed the activities on the ground, and thankfully the mining operations comply with the AMDAL. Moreover, PT Gag Nikel is a state asset," said Bahlil at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (10/06/2025).
According to Bahlil, the government evaluation team's findings indicated that PT Gag Nikel's mining activities were assessed as operating well and in compliance with regulations. The government considers the company still fit to continue operating, on condition that environmental monitoring is carried out rigorously.
"Our evaluation shows that PT Gag Nikel's mining activities are proceeding satisfactorily. However, strict oversight must be maintained, particularly regarding environmental impact," he explained.
President Prabowo Subianto, Bahlil said, has also directed his officials not to be complacent in monitoring mining activities, especially in sensitive areas such as Raja Ampat, which possesses an exceptionally rich marine ecosystem.
"The President has emphasised that oversight must be maximised to ensure mining activities do not damage the environment, particularly coral reefs and biodiversity in Raja Ampat," Bahlil stressed.
The four mining companies whose permits have been revoked by the government are:
- PT Anugerah Surya Pratama
- PT Nurham
- PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa
- PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining
The revocations form part of the government's efforts to preserve the Raja Ampat area, recognised as one of the world's marine zones with the highest biodiversity. The government has affirmed that environmental sustainability remains the foremost priority in policy-making, including in the mining sector.
Investment Minister and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that PT Gag Nikel is a state asset and has been conducting its operations in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) requirements.
"I have personally observed the activities on the ground, and thankfully the mining operations comply with the AMDAL. Moreover, PT Gag Nikel is a state asset," said Bahlil at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (10/06/2025).
According to Bahlil, the government evaluation team's findings indicated that PT Gag Nikel's mining activities were assessed as operating well and in compliance with regulations. The government considers the company still fit to continue operating, on condition that environmental monitoring is carried out rigorously.
"Our evaluation shows that PT Gag Nikel's mining activities are proceeding satisfactorily. However, strict oversight must be maintained, particularly regarding environmental impact," he explained.
President Prabowo Subianto, Bahlil said, has also directed his officials not to be complacent in monitoring mining activities, especially in sensitive areas such as Raja Ampat, which possesses an exceptionally rich marine ecosystem.
"The President has emphasised that oversight must be maximised to ensure mining activities do not damage the environment, particularly coral reefs and biodiversity in Raja Ampat," Bahlil stressed.
The four mining companies whose permits have been revoked by the government are:
- PT Anugerah Surya Pratama
- PT Nurham
- PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa
- PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining
The revocations form part of the government's efforts to preserve the Raja Ampat area, recognised as one of the world's marine zones with the highest biodiversity. The government has affirmed that environmental sustainability remains the foremost priority in policy-making, including in the mining sector.