Minister endorses halt to Raja Ampat mining

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has voiced support for Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia's proposal to temporarily halt mining activities on Gag Island, Raja Ampat District, Southwest Papua.

The minister emphasized that the underwater beauty of Raja Ampat and the coastal ecosystem in Raja Ampat islands should not be harmed by mining activities.

"I agree with that. Do not let the mining activity ruin it," he stated on Friday, in response to journalists' questions regarding public pressure to protect Raja Ampat from the threat of nickel mining (#SaveRajaAmpat).

The minister noted that efforts to preserve Raja Ampat's natural environment is a shared responsibility.

He expressed hope for discussions on investment and future mining activities that would not damage the ecosystem, as well as historical or cultural sites that are often closely linked to the natural ecosystem.

Amid current mining concerns, Zon said his office is also examining historical sites and cultural heritage, including ancient caves whose preservation is currently threatened by mining activities.

"We are monitoring several locations in Sulawesi and Kalimantan where mining activities threaten ancient caves adorned with ancient paintings, aged tens of thousands of years old," he remarked.

He specifically cited Sangkurilang Cave, located in the Sangkurilang-Mangkalihat karst ecosystem in East Kutai, East Kalimantan, which is currently believed to be at risk from cement mining activities.

The hand paintings on the walls of Sangkurilang Cave are evidence of an ancient civilization that once inhabited the karst area in East Kutai, East Kalimantan, tens of thousands of years ago.

Experts estimate the hand paintings in Sangkurilang Cave to be between 10 thousand to 40 thousand years old, making them among the oldest rock art in the world. In fact, the ancient art in Sangkurilang is believed to predate similar ancient paintings in Spain's El Castillo Cave.