Police Probe Alleged Environmental Damage from Nickel Mining in Raja Ampat

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police is investigating alleged criminal acts committed by four nickel mining companies in the Raja Ampat region, West Papua. The police will investigate allegations of environmental damage caused by four companies whose mining business permits have been revoked by the government.

"We are still in the process of investigation," said the Director of Special Criminal Investigation of the Indonesian National Police, Brigadier General Nunung Syaifuddin, at the Bareskrim building on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Nunung remained tight-lipped about the progress of the investigation. According to her, the investigation stemmed from the police's discovery of environmental damage from mining activities in Raja Ampat. "Yes, from the findings alone," she said.

According to Nunung, the police have the authority to investigate allegations of criminal acts related to environmental damage caused by mining. The police are still focused on the four companies with revoked permits.

Prior to this, the government revoked the four permits belonging to PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, and PT Nurham. Meanwhile, PT Gag Nikel's permit on Gag Island was not revoked and allowed to continue operating.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia stated that this decision was made after his team conducted a direct field assessment. Bahlil explained that, according to the assessment, only PT Gag Nikel had obtained a Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) for 2025. The other four companies did not apply.

Bahlil stated that the total concession area granted to PT Gag Nikel reached 13,136 hectares. Of this total, only 260 hectares have been opened. More than 130 hectares have been reclaimed, and 54 hectares of which have been returned to the state.

"Gag Island is not located within the Raja Ampat Geopark area. It is about 42 kilometers from Piaynemo, the main tourist center, and is more geographically close to North Maluku," said Bahlil.

He also dismissed the notion that PT Gag's activities had damaged coral reefs or polluted the sea. Visual and technical inspections revealed that the coastal and marine areas surrounding Gag Island remain in good condition.

On the other hand, Bahlil mentioned that the four companies whose permits were revoked were found to have several issues, including environmental violations and legalities that did not align with national policy developments. "Some of these permits were issued from 2004 to 2006 by regional governments in accordance with the previous Mining Law. However, we do not want to blame anyone. It is our collective responsibility to rectify the situation," he said.

Nandito Putra contributed to this article

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