Environment Minister/Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH) Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said President Prabowo has taken extraordinary steps by revoking four Mining Business Permits (IUP) from five companies operating in Raja Ampat, Papua Barat Daya.
"Currently, our team is conducting more detailed research. We have collected samples to be analyzed by experts. We anticipate the results will be available in a month," Nurofiq told reporters after opening the Environment Day 2025 Expo and Forum in Jakarta, Sunday, June 22.
He added that while environmental damage is visually apparent, its scientific verification requires further substantiation through laboratory analysis and expert assessment.
He stated that the in-depth assessment of the damage impact by experts is estimated to take approximately one month. Once the laboratory results are obtained, his team will immediately proceed with the revocation of environmental approvals.
At present, the Environment Ministry has suspended two existing environmental approvals in the area. The other two companies have not yet obtained environmental permits.
The measures are part of an environmental audit conducted by the ministry, acting on President Prabowo's directive for strict oversight.
Regarding PT Gag Nickel, which is still permitted to operate in the area, the Environment Ministry/BPLH data indicates the company has maintained a good Environmental Performance Rating Assessment (PROPER) for four consecutive years.
"So, even before my tenure, their rating was excellent. Administratively, it is indeed one of the 13 companies allowed to mine. Furthermore, its technical mining operations have achieved PROPER status, meaning it has received green and blue status," Nurofiq said.
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Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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