Raja Ampat geopark remains under the threat of mining operations

Several companies are already pursuing legal action to have their mining permits reinstated

Islands around Raja Ampat in east Indonesia's West Papua region. Picture:Goh Chai Hin/AFP

Indonesia’s UNESCO-listed Raja Ampat geopark remains under the threat of mining operations as companies head to court looking to reactivate their permits, Greenpeace has warned.

President Prabowo Subianto was quick to order the revocation of four out of five nickel mining operations in Raja Ampat following major outcry over the possible destruction of the world-renowned diving and eco-tourism destination, home to some of the most pristine reefs on the planet and home to 75 per cent of the world’s coral species.

Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia this week said the government had revoked the permits for part Chinese-owned PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, as well as PT Nurham, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa and PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining. All obtained mining licences from local authorities before the area was declared a conservation zone in 2017, and a UNESCO geopark in 2023.

The government left out the mining operation in Gag Island, operated by PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of state-owned Aneka Tambang, arguing it was located just 5km outside the designated geopark.

Greenpeace Indonesia forest campaigner Arie Rompas said several companies are already pursuing legal action to have their mining permits reinstated.

“There are three other permits currently being challenged in court in an effort to be reactivated. … The previously inactive permits are now under legal challenge and have a high potential to be reactivated if the companies win in court,” he said on Thursday. He said there are indications that operations may resume, mining camps are still present, and several excavators remain on-site.

An aerial view of deforestation on Gag Island in Raja Ampat, southwest Papua province. Picture: Auriga Nusantara/AFP

“Greenpeace’s data analysis shows how run-off from past mining activities continues to affect the surrounding coastlines. These findings have also been confirmed by the Ministry of Environment, which identified these areas as the most severely impacted,” Mr Rompas said.

Sixteen permits have been issued in Raja Ampat, 13 of which fall within the geopark area, but only five of them were active before the government intervention this week.

Greenpeace’s analysis of court documents indicates that companies seeking to restore their permits include PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa and PT Anugerah Surya Pratama.

The NGO’s investigation also revealed that the nickel mined from the world’s most biodiverse marine environment already was used to supply major electric vehicle manufacturers including Tesla and BYD.

Nickel ore from Raja Ampat is processed by smelters located at Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park in North Maluku. The industrial park supplies manufacturers of stainless steel and battery components for electric vehicles, among other buyers.

Mr Rompas said the industrial park hosted some of the Chinese-owned nickel players connected to big EV companies.

“PT Huayou is also part of the nickel supply chain connected to several major EV manufacturers including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes, Tesla, and BYD,” he said.

Forestry Ministry law enforcement director-general Dwi Januanto Nugroho argued that under President Prabowo, the government had already planned to reform the forest area governance.

“This reflects concern from the government about ecosystem protection as a life-support system. Raja Ampat often comes up in our discussions, and it’s part of our working agenda,” he said.

BHP Billiton, a previous joint venture owner of the Gag Island nickel mine alongside state-owned Aneka Tambang, divested its shares in the project in 2008 citing concerns over the potential impact on the environment and local populations.