Close the Door to Mining in Raja Ampat - Tempo.co English
The government must remain consistent in protecting Raja Ampat from mining activities. Ensure that tourism benefits return to local communities.
RAJA Ampat is not yet safe. After the government revoked four nickel mining permits in June 2025, applications for new permits have now emerged in Yenbekaki village, East Waigeo District, Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua.
Greenpeace says three permit applications are being processed in eastern Waigeo. The government denies that it has issued any new permits. This discrepancy should be clarified by making the entire licensing process open to the public.
The revocation of the four previous mining permits came after the #SaveRajaAmpat campaign videos showed the impact of mining activities in the area. The government revoked the permits of Anugerah Surya Pratama, Mulia Raymond Perkasa, Kawei Sejahtera Mining, and Nurham. Gag Nikel, however, continues to operate on Gag Island.
Raja Ampat is more than an expanse of mineral reserves. It is a UNESCO Global Geopark. The area is home to around 540 species of hard coral, 1,070 species of reef fish, and 699 species of mollusks. This wealth should serve as an important asset for fisheries and tourism.
The archipelagic nature of the region means damage on land can easily spread to the sea. Forest clearing for mining can trigger erosion and sedimentation that disrupt coral reefs and coastal waters. The impact does not stop at concession areas, but can spread to local livelihoods and the tourism industry.
Mining supporters can certainly point to the benefits of investment, jobs, state revenue, and the need for nickel. But these benefits cannot be separated from the costs. The government must factor in potential losses in fisheries and tourism revenue, ecosystem damage, and the cost of restoration.
Nickel will eventually be depleted through mining. Healthy seas, coral reefs, biodiversity, karst landscapes, and local culture, by contrast, can generate recurring economic benefits if properly preserved. Development choices should take these long-term values into account.
Therefore, there is no reason for the government to reopen the door to mining in Raja Ampat. This archipelago is not the right place to pursue extractive profits at the expense of the ecosystems that sustain its people and underpin its economy. All applications for new permits must be halted, while licensing documents should be made public.
Indigenous communities must be involved in determining the future of their territories. The Arborek Resolution, agreed upon by representatives of 20 sub-tribes in August 2026, demonstrates a strong aspiration to reject extractive activities that threaten their living spaces. That aspiration must be incorporated into policy, rather than remaining merely a declaration.
Tourism development must also provide tangible benefits to local residents. Homestays, tour guide services, sea transportation, sustainable fisheries, culinary businesses, handicrafts, cultural tourism, and conservation services need to be strengthened. Residents should not merely become workers in the tourism industry, but also share in its benefits as owners and beneficiaries.
Raja Ampat does not need mining to grow. Its main assets lie in its seas, forests, biodiversity, karst landscapes, and the culture of communities that remain intact. The government should not play with fire. Close the door to mining and open wider pathways to an economy that preserves nature while benefiting local communities.
