Logistics Firm Dispels Jokowi Link to Vessels in Raja Ampat Mining Row

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A logistics company PT IMC Pelita Logistik Tbk has issued a statement regarding the involvement of its vessels, the JKW Mahakam and Dewi Iriana, in the controversy surrounding nickel mining in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. On social media, the names of these two vessels have been associated with former President Joko Widodo or Jokowi and his wife, Iriana.

Company Secretary Desi Femilinda Safitri emphasized that these two ships are not connected to Jokowi or Iriana. "The naming of the vessels was determined internally by the company without any intention to refer to or be associated with any public figure. The naming also reflects operational areas in East Kalimantan, particularly around the Mahakam River," Desi explained in an information disclosure to the Indonesia Stock Exchange on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

IMC Pelita Logistik is a sea logistics service company that leases bulk cargo vessels, primarily for mineral products, to various clients across Indonesia.

Desi also mentioned that the circulated photos of the ships are old documentation and do not reflect their current conditions. She stressed that the ships are currently only operating in Kalimantan. "They are presently operating in the East Kalimantan region and are not involved in transportation activities in Raja Ampat," she added.

The issue of mining in Raja Ampat arose after strong protests from Greenpeace Indonesia and the Raja Ampat Nature Reserve Alliance. They argue that nickel mining on five small islands, namely Gag, Kawe, Manuran, Manyaifun, and Batang Pele, violates Law Number 1 of 2014 concerning the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands, which prohibits mining on small islands with sensitive ecosystems.

In response, the government revoked the permits of four out of five nickel mining companies operating in the area. The five companies are PT Gag Nikel, PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP), PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP), PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM), and PT Nurham.

"Following the President's instructions, the government will revoke the mining business permits for four companies in Raja Ampat," stated State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia specified that the permits being revoked belong to PT ASP, PT MRP, PT KSM, and PT Nurham. "The revocation is due to environmental violations as found by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Secondly, this area is designated as a geopark area," Bahlil explained.

He clarified that the permit of PT Gag Nikel was not revoked because its operations are located far from the geopark area, but the government will still closely monitor its activities.

Eka Yudha Saputra and Nandito Putra contributed to the writing of this article.

Editor's Choice: Raja Ampat Mining Permits Issued Before Jokowi's Regime, Says Minister Bahlil

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Raja Ampat Shines as Award-Winning Natural Destination Amid Nickel Scare

14 jam lalu

Raja Ampat Mining Permits Issued Before Jokowi's Regime, Says Minister Bahlil

18 jam lalu

Greenpeace Worries Mining Permits in Raja Ampat Will Be Reissued

19 jam lalu

World's 5 Largest Nickel-Producing Countries: Is Indonesia Among Them?

21 jam lalu

Minister Bahlil Silent on Alleged Mining Permit Violations in Raja Ampat

22 jam lalu

Four Mining Licenses Revoked in Raja Ampat, Why Was PT Gag Nikel Spared?

1 hari lalu

Lawmaker Demands Permanent Ban on Nickel Mining in Raja Ampat

1 hari lalu

Raja Ampat Nickel Mining Controversy: Indonesian Govt to Make Decision Today

1 hari lalu

Indonesian Govt Revokes Nickel Mining Licenses in Raja Ampat Amid Public Outcry

1 hari lalu

Raja Ampat Visitors on the Rise in Last Five Years

1 hari lalu