Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq disclosed that the government would take action against four nickel mining companies operating on different islands in Raja Ampat District, Southwest Papua, in response to growing public concerns about environmental degradation.
Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta on Sunday, he named the companies as PT Gag Nikel operating on Gag Island, PT Anugerah Surya Pratama on Manuran Island, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining on Kawei Island, and PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa on Manyaifun Island.
Nurofiq noted that his ministry would review the environmental clearance granted to PT Gag Nikel despite the company meeting all nickel mining requirements.
This decision is made based on several considerations, including the fact that the company’s now-suspended mining activities took place on a small island, which may violate Law No. 1 of 2014 concerning the management of coastal areas and small islands.
A similar measure would also be taken on PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, with legal measures planned due to indications of environmental degradation, such as sedimentation and water clouding found during inspections, he added.
Regarding PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, Nurofiq stressed that his ministry would take appropriate steps against the company for operating outside its permitted area.
Meanwhile, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, which possesses a mining business permit (IUP) but lacks an environmental clearance document, is expected to have its exploratory activities suspended.
"We will simply stop their exploration since the company has not begun any (mining) activities," Nurofiq said.
He then emphasized that the Ministry of Environment would coordinate with the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, Forestry Ministry, and Southwest Papua Government to address these mining issues.
The ministry also intends to immediately carry out a firsthand inspection of the islands, following the example of ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia’s recent visit to a nickel mining site on Gag Island.
