TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia visited nickel mines in Raja Ampat. He also announced plans to visit West Papua and Southwest Papua to inspect oil wells in Sorong, Fakfak, and Bintuni. "I have plans to visit Southwest and West Papua," said Bahlil at the Golkar Party Central Office, Kemanggisan, Palmerah, West Jakarta, on Friday, June 6, 2025.
The visit is believed to be a response to the criticism of mining activities in Papua that damaged the Raja Ampat region. Nevertheless, Bahlil did not disclose the schedule for his visit to Raja Ampat, or when he would inspect the oil wells. "Insha Allah, just pray. I will try, as we are still in the spirit of Eid al-Adha," said the Chairperson of the Golkar Party.
Bahlil mentioned that his upcoming visit to West and Southwest Papua is intended to establish rapport with the local community. According to him, building rapport during Eid al-Adha is not only done with officials, but also must involve meeting the people for face-to-face dialogue. "This is part of the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim," said Bahlil.
The nickel mine in Raja Ampat has come under scrutiny following criticism from Greenpeace Indonesia. The organization reported the nickel mining activity on Gag Island. PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of PT Antam Tbk, holds the permit in that area. Greenpeace also discovered mining activities on Kawe Island and Manuran Island.
All three islands are classified as small islands. Based on Law Number 1 of 2014 concerning the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands, mining activities are not permitted in these areas. Greenpeace's analysis shows that nickel mining activities on these three islands have caused damage to more than 500 hectares of natural forests and vegetation. Field documentation also shows the flow of soil runoff to the coast, causing dangerous sedimentation to coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
Head of Global Forest Campaign for Indonesia at Greenpeace, Kiki Taufik, warns that if mining activities are allowed to expand, Raja Ampat's environment will be damaged. Kiki mentioned that the damaging impacts of the nickel industry have already occurred in several regions such as Halmahera, Wawonii, and Kabaena.
Therefore, he is concerned that the same thing will happen in Raja Ampat. Yet, this area is a global geopark and the most popular underwater tourist destination. "Raja Ampat is home to about 75 percent of the world's best coral reefs, which are now starting to be damaged," said Kiki on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025.
Riri Rahayu and Nandito Putra contributed to the writing of this article
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