"We will not allow even one inch of damage in an area that is home to 75 percent of the world's coral species and thousands of endemic species. Law enforcement and environmental restoration are our main commitments," Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said in his statement on Sunday.
Hanif explained that Raja Ampat is a very special area, because its oceans are the center of the world's coral triangle with more than 553 coral species -- which is 75 percent of all world species, 1,070 species of reef fish and 699 types of molluscs.
On land, he continued, there are 874 plant species, nine of which are endemic; 114 species of herpetofauna with five of which are endemic; 47 mammal species, one of which is endemic; and 274 bird species, six of which are endemic.
Those extraordinary natural potential, he emphasized, has made Raja Ampat a world-class tourist destination.
However, the Environment Ministry has discovered nickel mining activities that threaten the ecosystem of Raja Ampat.
The discovery was made following the minister’s direct supervision on May 26 to 31 in four mining companies including 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.
Based on the supervision, Nurofiq would review the environmental clearance granted for the four companies and enforce the law against two companies that violate the rules.
The ministry would also prepare the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) for the Province of West Papua based on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS) which places coastal and small island protection as a priority, based on Law No. 1 of 2014 concerning the management of coastal areas and small islands.
"Raja Ampat is a symbol of Indonesia's and the world's natural wealth. Protecting it is a shared responsibility. The Environment Ministry ensures that all permits and business activities must be in line with ecosystem protection and applicable laws," Nurofiq concluded.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Primayanti
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