Jakarta —The Usba Institute, an independent organization dedicated to preserving traditions and environmental ecosystems in Sorong, West Papua, has criticized the government’s handling of mining permits in Raja Ampat. They consider the revocation of four nickel mining permits as only a superficial “victory” and believe the issue has not been fully resolved. According to Usba Institute Director Charles Imbir, such policies should be implemented without discrimination against any company.
Currently, the government has revoked the permits of four companies: PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP), PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP), PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM), and PT Nurham. However, operations of PT Gag Nikel—an affiliate of PT Antam Tbk—are still ongoing on Gag Island, Raja Ampat. The government claims that PT Gag Nikel’s permit remains valid based on legal, historical, and field verification considerations.
Charles argues that an environmental audit by an independent international body is necessary to assess the extent of damage on Gag Island. He states that such an audit should be followed by commitments to restore the environment, including land reclamation, vegetation planting, and topographical restoration. The institute also demands social and economic recovery for local communities affected by the mining activities.
He further explains that this demand is based on the 1945 Constitution Article 33 Paragraph 4, which states that the national economy must be environmentally conscious and sustainable. They also cite Law No. 1 of 2014 concerning Coastal and Small Island Management, and Article 23 Paragraph 2, which prioritizes conservation and marine cultivation over mining activities in small islands.
Additionally, the Constitutional Court Decision No. 35/PUU-XXI/2023 reinforces the prohibition of mining activities in coastal and small island regions. Similar provisions are also found in Law No. 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal, as well as Government Regulation No. 96 of 2021 and Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2022, which regulate the enforcement of mining permits that violate sustainability principles.
Previously, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that the legal status of PT Gag Nikel is different from the four companies whose permits were revoked. He explained that Gag Nikel’s management holds a contract of work that has been valid since 1998, with initial exploration starting as early as 1972.
“Even if PT Gag is not revoked, we will conduct special supervision of its operations, following the president’s orders,” Bahlil said during a press conference on Tuesday, June 10.
From the perspective of the Usba Institute, the government’s position as the owner of PT Gag Nikel is seen as not independent in issuing mining activities in Raja Ampat. Charles added that the Minister of ESDM’s statement shows inconsistency and a lack of political will from the government to uphold the constitution.
