Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Environment has identified several serious violations of environmental regulations and small island governance in connection with nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua.

"Mining on small islands actually undermines the principle of intergenerational justice. The ministry will not hesitate to revoke permits if there is proof of damage to irreplaceable ecosystems," Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq noted in a statement on Thursday (June 5).

He remarked that the principles of caution and sustainability would be the basis for taking action against these violations.

The Environment Ministry supervised nickel mining activities in the Raja Ampat area, from May 26 to 31, 2025.

This step was taken as part of the efforts to enforce the law and protect the environment in coastal areas and small islands that have significant ecological value.

The companies under supervision include PT GN, PT KSM, PT ASP, and PT MRP, all of which have obtained mining business permits (IUP) from the government. However, only PT GN, PT KSM, and PT ASP possess forest area use permits (PPKH).

Nurofiq said the supervision revealed various violations of environmental regulations and small island governance.

PT ASP, a foreign investment company from China, was found to be mining on Manuran Island, covering an area of approximately 746 hectares, without an environmental management system or wastewater management.

At this site, the ministry installed a warning sign to halt all activities.

Meanwhile, PT GN operates on Gag Island, covering approximately 6,030.53 hectares. Both islands are classified as small islands, making mining activities there contrary to Law Number 1 of 2014 on the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands.

The ministry is currently evaluating the Environmental Approvals held by PT ASP and PT GN. If proven to be in conflict with applicable laws, their environmental permits will be revoked.

In addition, PT MRP was found to lack environmental documents and a PPKH for its operations on Batang Pele Island. All exploration activities there have been suspended.

Meanwhile, PT KSM was found to have opened a mine outside its environmental permit and outside the five-hectare PPKH area on Kawe Island.

He explained that this activity has caused sedimentation along the coast. The company will face administrative sanctions requiring environmental restoration and may be subject to civil lawsuits.

Nurofiq emphasized that the Constitutional Court's decision Number 35/PUU-XXI/2023 also strengthened the policy of prohibiting mining activities in coastal areas and small islands.

The Constitutional Court emphasized that mineral mining in these areas can cause irreversible damage and violate the principles of preventing environmental hazards and intergenerational justice.

To this end, he echoed the government's commitment to taking firm action against all forms of violations that threaten the environment and the future of Indonesia's coastal areas.

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