According to him, the decision of the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry to temporarily suspending mining permits on Gag Island and conducting a thorough field inspection showed an attitude that was relevant to the governance of national resources.
“It shows the state's courage in protecting the environment and indigenous peoples And when the Environment Ministry imposed sanctions on four mining companies, we see a strong signal that there is no tolerance for violations in the mining sector," Mukhtarudin said in his statement on Sunday.
On Saturday (June 7), Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia visited a nickel mining site on Gag Island in Raja Ampat, following protests from local residents concerned about the mine’s impact.
The ministry also sent a mining inspector team to several mining business permit areas (WIUP) in Raja Ampat and conducted a comprehensive evaluation to provide recommendations to the minister for the final decision.
Mukhtarudin assessed that the steps carried out by the two ministries had demonstrated the government's commitment to carrying out the mandate of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, in which the management of natural resources must be used as much as possible for the prosperity of the people, not to damage the social order and environment of local communities.
He also encouraged a comprehensive evaluation to be carried out on all mines in conservation areas.
According to data from the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, five companies are registered as mine operators in Raja Ampat: PT Gag Nikel, PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, PT Mulia Raymond and PT Nurham.
However, prior to the temporary suspension issued by Minister Lahadalia on June 5, PT Gag Nikel was the only company actively mining in the district.
The subsidiary of the state-owned mining company Antam had been operating since 2018 on a 13,136-hectare site, having obtained its environmental clearance the previous year.
Meanwhile, the Environment Ministry stated that four nickel mining companies in Raja Ampat had been proven to have committed serious violations of environmental regulations, including non-compliance with land permits, poor waste management and threats to the ecosystem of conservation areas.
The government will not tolerate mining activities that damage the environment, especially in conservation areas and small islands that have strategic value for generations, Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasized.
Related news: Indonesia's minister inspects nickel mine In Raja Ampat after protests
Related news: Gag Island mine: No environmental issues found in initial review
Translator: Indra Arief Pribadi, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Primayanti
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