"The impact (of the mining activity) is sedimentation. The rainwater flowing into the sea carries particles that eventually cover coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other habitats. It definitely disrupts coastal ecosystems," the ministry's Director of Coasts and Small Islands, Ahmad Aris, stated on Wednesday.
He further pointed out that damage to coastal ecosystems would also impact the economy of the surrounding community.
Aris explained that coastal areas serve as spawning grounds for fish and support other marine activities, including tourism.
He noted that the ministry had conducted a field review in the Raja Ampat area to assess the impacts.
However, Aris noted that the effects of mining activities take time to become visible, especially in sunny weather.
"Observing the impact of the activity may take time. We can only see the impact during rainfall to check any particles carried away by the current," Aris stated.
Furthermore, he emphasized that Raja Ampat consists of small and very small islands.
Based on Law Number 27 of 2007, as amended by Law Number 1 of 2014 on the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands, Article 2.3 states that mining is not a prioritized activity.
Meanwhile, Article 35 prohibits mining on small islands, if it technically causes environmental damage and has social impacts.
On Tuesday, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia announced the revocation of nickel mining business permits (IUP) for four companies operating in Raja Ampat.
The four companies are PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining.
Meanwhile, the mining permit for PT GAG Nikel remains in effect due to the company's compliance in carrying out mining activities in line with the Environmental Impact Analysis (AMDAL) document.
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Translator: Maria Cicilia G P, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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