Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia delivers a press statement at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (06/10). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
The Indonesian Government officially revoked mining business permits (IUPs) of four mining companies operating in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua province, to preserve the sustainability of the environment and the conservation area.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia explained that the revocation was carried out following evaluations from environmental and technical aspects, as well as input from the public and local government.
“The reasons are, first, environmental considerations; second, technical factors, as we found that parts of the area are included in a geopark zone; and third, a decision made during a limited cabinet meeting, taking into account input from local governments and also insights from community leaders I visited,” he said in a joint press statement with other Red and White Cabinet ministers, at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (06/10).
The Minister asserted that President Prabowo Subianto had called for strict supervision for the mining companies that are still operating in the island, including ensuring that they comply with the environmental impact assessments (AMDAL) and the reclamation process, and that they are prohibited from damaging coral reefs during the operation.
He went on to say that the Government began enforcement effort towards mining permits at the start of 2025 following the issuance of Presidential Regulation Number 5 of 2025 on Regulation of Forest Areas. The efforts are being carried out gradually and comprehensively as part of the Government’s commitment to systematically reform the mining sector.
“We worked for two months. The Presidential Regulation was issued in January, and we immediately began working intensively. There’s a lot we’re reorganizing,” Bahlil explained.
Bahlil also confirmed that there will no longer be any production activities from the four companies in question, as they failed to meet administrative requirements such as the RKAB (Work Plan and Budget) and the AMDAL documents.
“A company is only allowed to be in production if it has an RKAB. And an RKAB can only be approved if it has an AMDAL document. They did not meet any of those administrative requirements,” he firmly stated.
Through the revocation, the Government aims to clarify misinformation, while reaffirm its commitment to managing a sustainable mining sector that prioritizes environmental protection and the welfare of local communities. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/LW)
