He described this as a strategic step in maintaining the sustainability of Indonesia's leading conservation and ecotourism areas.
"This is a bold decision that is in favor of the future. The Raja Ampat area must be maintained as a world-class ecotourism area, not (exploited) for short-term mining gains," Misbakhun noted in his statement on Thursday (June 12).
He emphasized that Raja Ampat is an area with very high ecological and economic value. He believes that the cessation of mining activities creates opportunities for healthier, more sustainable, and inclusive local economic growth.
He noted that nature-based ecotourism plays a vital role in supporting the local economy.
In 2024, around 30 thousand tourists visited Raja Ampat, with 70 percent coming from abroad. This figure nearly doubled from the previous year's 19,839 tourists.
Tourist arrivals contributed around Rp150 billion annually to Raja Ampat Regency's original regional income (PAD). This figure does not include the indirect impacts of other sectors that have also grown due to tourism, such as hotels, local transportation, culinary, folk crafts, and tour guide services.
"A green economy based on nature tourism, as seen in Raja Ampat, is the main instrument for sustainable development. This is not only about environmental preservation but also about the direction of Indonesia's future economic development that is environmentally friendly and high-quality, as well as empowers local communities," Misbakhun explained.
He affirmed that this policy aligns with the national development vision that emphasizes energy transition and a green economy.
"Raja Ampat is already recognized as the world's underwater paradise. We must not mortgage this long-term potential just for the sake of short-term profits from the extractive industry," he stressed.
As Chairman of Commission XI which oversees finance and development planning, Misbakhun reaffirmed his commitment to continue encouraging fiscal policies and incentives that support ecotourism development in eastern Indonesia, including Southwest Papua.
"I believe that Raja Ampat can be an icon of Indonesia's success in building an inclusive and sustainable green economy," he emphasized.
Earlier, the government announced its decision to revoke the IUPs for 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.
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, only three of the companies had reportedly begun mining activities in Raja Ampat, while PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa was still in the exploration stage.
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Related news: Government revokes permits of four Raja Ampat miners
Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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