Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the revocation of mining licences (IUP) of four nickel companies in the Southwest Papua region. The only one that remains in operation, PT Gag Nikel, is now under strict supervision. This decision was announced by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) Bahlil Lahadalia in a press conference on Tuesday, 10 June, as a follow-up to the results of a limited meeting and cross-ministerial coordination.
“Considering all aspects comprehensively, the President decided that four IUPs, excluding PT Gag Nikel, are revoked. I immediately coordinated with the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Forestry for the technical process of revocation,” Bahlil said.
Bahlil told reporters at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, that the reason the government did not revoke the mining business licence (IUP) contract of PT GAG Nickel, which operates in Raja Ampat Regency, was because the company was considered to have carried out mining activities following the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document.
The four companies whose licences were revoked are PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP), PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP), PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM) and PT Nurham. All four are considered to have violated environmental regulations and are not in line with the government’s priority of sustainable development.
“Although we did not revoke Gag’s permit, based on the President’s direction, we will conduct special supervision. The EIA must be strict, reclamation must be carried out with discipline, and most importantly, it must not damage coral reefs,” Bahlil said.
Environmental protection of world tourism areas
The revocation of the IUP is not a sudden decision, but rather part of a long process of controlling forest areas, as confirmed by Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 5 of 2025. In addition to maintaining legal compliance, this decision also strengthens Raja Ampat’s position as a conservation area and world-class tourist destination.
“After we checked on the ground, these areas must be protected. The President is paying special attention to keep Raja Ampat a global tourist destination and centre of marine biodiversity,” Bahlil said.
Raja Ampat is recognised as one of the most critical geotourism areas in the world. The Indonesian government designated it as a National Geopark in 2017, with UNESCO recognising the status globally in 2023.
The government also recognised the contribution of communities and activists who actively voiced opposition to the exploitation of natural resources in the Raja Ampat conservation area. Input from the public and vigorous monitoring on social media are among the government’s considerations.
“We thank the public and social media activists who continue to provide input to the government. Public aspiration is essential in making this decision,” said Prasetyo Hadi, Minister of State Secretary. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia talk to the media, May 27, 2025. (Source: MEMR)
