Nickel Mining Involved in Forest Destruction: Indonesia Revokes Mining Licenses of Four Companies

(Jakarta, 11th) The Indonesian government revoked the mining licenses of four companies on the Raja Ampat Islands for nickel mining on Tuesday (June 10), one of which has Chinese capital involvement.
State Secretary Prasetyo told reporters that President Prabowo "decided that the government will revoke the mining business licenses of four companies on the Raja Ampat Islands."
The four companies are Anugerah Surya Pratama, Nurham, Kawei Sejahtera Mining, and Mulia Raymond Perkasa. Among them, Anugerah Surya Pratama is a subsidiary of the Chinese-funded Indonesian Wanxiang Nickel Industry. Wanxiang Nickel operates a nickel smelter in Morowali, Central Sulawesi.
The Raja Ampat Islands are located in the southwest of Papua Province, and the local waters are in the "Coral Triangle," praised as the "last paradise on earth."

Greenpeace Indonesia released a video report last week, accusing that nickel mining activities on Gag, Kawe, and Manuran islands have resulted in more than 500 hectares of forests and vegetation being destroyed. The organization pointed out that according to Indonesian law, these three islands are classified as small islands, where mining should be prohibited.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif stated that the aforementioned companies have violated relevant regulations and that "this area must be protected." He added that another company, Gag Nikel, is allowed to continue operations on Gag Island but will be closely monitored.
However, Arifin denied claims that the marine environment around the islands has been damaged due to mining activities. "If anyone claims the coral reefs and ocean have been damaged, you can go and see for yourself. Please carefully discern the truth."
Greenpeace Indonesia stated that the government's decision is a good start but that further action is needed to ensure the implementation of the license revocations.
Aliar, head of the branch's forest protection division, said the government might reissue mining licenses in the future, and the mining companies might challenge the government's decision in court.