"The revocation of permits does not automatically annul other legal consequences, especially if serious violations are found," the ministry's Director General of Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, remarked.
During a discussion followed online from Jakarta on Thursday, he emphasized that the ministry may pursue civil litigation, exploring legal avenues to file lawsuits over potential environmental degradation and to seek support for restoration efforts from those responsible.
Nugroho assured the public that the Forestry Ministry remains committed to taking all necessary action to protect Raja Ampat from activities that could harm the region’s reputation as a pristine tourist destination rich in biodiversity.
He also noted that several lawmakers from Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR) had reached out to the ministry to discuss the situation in Raja Ampat.
"We are fully committed to overseeing and addressing this matter," he emphasized.
Earlier, the government announced its decision to revoke the IUPs of four companies operating on small islands in Raja Ampat District: PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining.
At a press conference held at the President's Office in Jakarta on Tuesday (June 10), State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi stated that President Prabowo Subianto made the decision during a ministerial meeting in Bogor, West Java, the previous day.
Meanwhile, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia explained that the revocations were based on findings that part of the companies' operational areas overlapped with the Raja Ampat Geopark.
However, it was reported that only three of the companies had begun mining activities in Raja Ampat, while PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa was still in the exploration stage.
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Translator: Prisca T, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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