"Disturbances to biodiversity in Raja Ampat have not decreased, which has become a global concern," he stated at the opening of the 2025 Environment Day Expo and Forum in Jakarta, Sunday.
He also urged that similar attention be given to other small islands.
According to him, his ministry will join other ministries and institutions to monitor issues affecting small islands in Indonesia.
Small islands are considered vulnerable when they become sites for extractive activities, such as mineral mining, including nickel mining activities in the Raja Ampat region, Southwest Papua.
Earlier this month, the 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.
On that occasion, Nurofiq also highlighted the issues currently faced by many urban areas such as Greater Jakarta, which face the potential declines in air quality due to activities in various sectors.
"According to data from the Jakarta Special Region Provincial Health Service, almost 7.6 million people are exposed to respiratory infections, which in turn contribute to worsening comorbid diseases among people in the Jakarta area," he outlined.
Therefore, he urged all parties to address sources of air pollution, including those from transportation and industrial areas.
Nurofiq said his ministry has supervised 48 industrial partners in the Greater Jakarta area, conducted vehicle emission tests and encouraged related parties to promote the use of Euro 4 equivalent fuel to reduce the pollutants produced.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna V, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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