The Ministry of Environment (MoE) has confirmed violations of environmental regulations and small island governance committed by four nickel mining companies operating in Raja Ampat, Papua. If these violations are substantiated, their environmental permits could be revoked.

Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, emphasized the government's dedication to preserving the environment and biodiversity in Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua Province.

“Raja Ampat’s biodiversity is a global heritage that must be protected. That’s why we are placing serious attention on mining activities occurring in the area,” Hanif stated in an official release, quoted on Sunday (June 8, 2025).

Since late May, the Ministry has been conducting inspections of four nickel mining firms: PT Gag Nikel (GN), PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM), PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP), and PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP).

Initial findings indicate non-compliance with environmental laws and small island management standards. PT ASP, for instance, has been operating on Manuran Island across approximately 746 hectares without implementing an environmental management system or a proper runoff water treatment. In response, the MoE/BPLH has posted warning signs to halt activities at the site.

Meanwhile, PT Gag Nikel operates on Gag Island, spanning about 6,030.53 hectares. Both Manuran and Gag Islands fall under the category of small islands. Thus, mining operations there are considered violations of Law Number 1 of 2014 on Coastal Area and Small Islands Management.

“Mining on small islands is a breach of coastal area management as stipulated by law. The Ministry will take strict action under the applicable regulations and re-evaluate all nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat,” Hanif asserted.

Currently, the Ministry is reviewing the Environmental Approvals of PT ASP and PT GN. If legal violations are found, both companies’ permits will be revoked.

PT MRP has also come under scrutiny for conducting operations on Batang Pele Island without environmental documentation or a Forest Area Release Permit (PPKH). All exploration activities by this company have now been suspended.

Additionally, PT KSM was found to have opened a five-hectare mining site outside its permitted environmental and PPKH zones on Kawe Island. This activity has caused sediment buildup along the coastline.

Hanif further emphasized the importance of environmental restoration efforts following the impacts of these mining operations. The MoE/BPLH is currently assessing potential legal enforcement, including civil and criminal proceedings, in coordination with experts and relevant institutions.

Moving forward, the Ministry will coordinate with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), and the Ministry of Forestry to re-evaluate the validity of environmental and mining licenses in Raja Ampat. The Environment Minister has also called on the West Papua provincial government to conduct a thorough review of all issued environmental permits.

Hanif is also scheduled to conduct an on-site visit to assess the environmental damage firsthand. The MoE/BPLH will subsequently determine appropriate follow-up actions regarding mining operations in Raja Ampat.