Energy minister to inspect Raja Ampat nickel mining

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia announced his plan to visit Raja Ampat to assess the natural conditions and inspect nickel mining operations.

"I want to visit the Southwest Papua and West Papua regions to observe the oil wells in Sorong, Fak-Fak, and Bentuni. During those times, I will try to make time to visit Raja Ampat," he remarked when met on Friday.

Lahadalia plans to meet with residents and stakeholders involved in the nickel mine management.

Earlier, the minister said he would summon the holders of nickel mining permits in the Raja Ampat area, Southwest Papua, to evaluate their activities.

According to Lahadalia, several aspects of local wisdom had not been adequately addressed in the mining activities.

On the other hand, he highlighted the local community's keenness for a smelter to be built in the area.

On a different occasion, Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq also said he plans to review the report on nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua.

He did not rule out the possibility of taking legal action regarding this matter.

"We will also examine Raja Ampat. We have completed mapping, and we will visit the region as soon as possible," he told the media after attending the 2025 World Environment Day commemoration in Badung, Bali, on Thursday.

"Or at the very least, we will immediately take legal steps related to Raja Ampat's activities after going through studies," Nurofiq added.

These actions follow criticism from various parties regarding nickel mining activities in the Raja Ampat area, which are feared to impact the surrounding environment, given that Raja Ampat is one of Indonesia's leading tourist destinations, attracting both domestic and foreign tourists.

Earlier, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana emphasized that every extractive industry activity in Indonesia must prioritize the principles of sustainable tourism.

“Every development activity in the area must be carried out with caution, respect for the ecosystem, and a balance between development and preservation,” she remarked in a statement on Thursday.