TEMPO.CO, Bali - The Ministry of Environment and Forestry is handling the reports against nickel mines operating in Raja Ampat regency, according to the ministry secretary, Rosa Vivien Ratnawati. The ministry's move is in response to Greenpeace's criticism of mining expansion in the region that is most known for its rich marine ecosystems.
"I'm only able to provide a limited response because the Deputy of Environmental Law Enforcement (Gakkum) has also followed up on this," said Vivien in Bali on Wednesday, 4 June 2025.
According to Vivien, the law enforcement division at the ministry is currently developing strategies to crack down on the nickel mines, but she directs further inquiries to the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq.
Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, previously stated that he will evaluate several nickel mines operating in the Regency of Raja Ampat. Bahlil responded to the expansion of mining activities in the area known for its rich marine ecosystem.
He mentioned that he will soon call the owners of the mining companies. "I will summon the permit holders, whether state-owned or private, to conduct an evaluation," said Bahlil to journalists at JCC Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
Bahlil stated that apart from evaluation, he is also considering proposals to build a smelter in Raja Ampat. According to him, a thorough environmental impact analysis is required before constructing a smelter. "In Papua, similar to Aceh, there is special autonomy. So, the treatment is also special," he said.
The presence of nickel mines in Raja Ampat has drawn criticism from Greenpeace Indonesia. The criticism was conveyed by several Greenpeace activists at the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference & Expo at Hotel Pullman on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
Kiki Taufik, the Global Head of Greenpeace Forest Campaign for Indonesia, stated that the criticism of nickel mining expansion aims to protect the environment and ecosystem of Raja Ampat. He warned that if mining activities continue to expand, the Raja Ampat region will experience similar damage to other nickel-producing areas.
Kiki mentioned the destructive impacts of the nickel industry in several areas such as Halmahera, Wawonii, and Kabaena. Now, similar activities are beginning to spread to Raja Ampat. "Currently, there are five islands that are starting to be exploited.
However, this region is a global geopark and the most popular underwater tourism destination. About 75 percent of the world's best coral reefs are located in Raja Ampat, and they are now beginning to be damaged," he said.
Greenpeace's investigation last year found mining activities on Gag Island, Kawe Island, and Manuran Island. These islands are classified as small islands that should not be mined according to Law Number 1 of 2014 regarding the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands.
Greenpeace's analysis showed that mining activities on these islands have caused damage to more than 500 hectares of natural forests and vegetation. Field documentation also showed soil runoff flowing to the coast, causing dangerous sedimentation to coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
Annisa Febiola and Nandito Putra contributed to the writing of this article
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