Indonesian Police probe nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Director of Certain Criminal Offenses at the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency, Brigadier General Nunung Syaifuddin, stated that his side is currently investigating nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua.

"For now, I cannot make a statement. We are still investigating this matter," he remarked when met at the National Police Headquarters, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

He explained that the investigation involves four companies whose mining business permits (IUP) were revoked by the government: PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining.

In response to a question about PT GAG Nikel, which continues to operate on Gag Island, Raja Ampat, Syaifuddin confirmed that his side is also investigating the matter.

He explained that the investigation was based on police findings, particularly regarding the obligation for environmental reclamation in mining activities.

"Mining activity always leads to environmental damage. Therefore, we have regulations for reclamation. The company is obliged to provide reclamation guarantees," he pointed out.

President Prabowo Subianto earlier announced that the government would revoke four mining business permits (IUPs) in Raja Ampat District, Southwest Papua, which were considered to violate environmental provisions and small island governance.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated on Tuesday that the decision was taken by the president during a limited meeting with several ministers on Monday (June 9).

According to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, the revocation of IUPs is part of the efforts to protect the world's geotourism area.

"One of the president's basic considerations (to revoke the four IUPs) is an effort to protect the Raja Ampat geotourism area as one of the main priorities to preserve nature and marine biodiversity while simultaneously developing world-class tourism potential sustainably," he remarked on Tuesday.