Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia is set to summon nickel mining permit holders operating in and around Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, in response to mounting public scrutiny over the environmental impact of mining operation in the world-renowned marine tourism destination.

“I’ve held a meeting with the director general of minerals and coal. We will summon the permit holders, state-owned or private, because we must respect Papua’s special autonomy status, much like Aceh,” Bahlil said while addressing the Human Capital Summit in Jakarta on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

He cited that he had received numerous public complaints and input regarding nickel mining in the area. He noted that some companies are also proposing to build nickel smelters on the islands.

“All mining activities must ad here to environmental impact assessments (Amdal),” he said, adding that the licenses in question were issued before his tenure as minister began.

The controversy surrounding mining in Raja Ampat intensified following a 2024 investigation by Greenpeace Indonesia, which revealed active nickel extraction on several small islands including Pulau Gag, Pulau Kawe, and Pulau Manuran. These islands fall under protection from extractive activities as stipulated by Law No. 1/2014 on the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands.

According to Greenpeace’s analysis, over 500 hectares of natural forest and vegetation have already been destroyed by mining operations, causing soil runoff and sedimentation that threaten coral reefs and fragile marine ecosystems. Two more islands, Pulau Batang Pele and Manyaifun, located about 30 kilometers from Piaynemo, an iconic karst islet featured on the Rp100,000 banknote, also face potential degradation from planned mining activities.

Raja Ampat is globally recognized for its unparalleled marine biodiversity, home to 75 percent of the world’s coral species and over 2,500 species of reef fish. Its terrestrial ecosystem supports 47 mammal species and 274 bird species. UNESCO designated the region as a global geopark, underscoring its ecological significance.

Greenpeace protest

The government’s response comes on the heels of a high-profile protest staged by Greenpeace Indonesia and indigenous Papuan communities at the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference held in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Activists unfurled banners reading “Nickel Mines Destroy Lives” and “Save Raja Ampat from Nickel Mining,” highlighting the social and environmental costs of Indonesia’s aggressive nickel downstreaming policy.

Greenpeace said the protest aimed to expose the harm caused by mining to local communities and ecosystems. “This is not just about minerals, this is about people and nature,” a spokesman said.

Two Greenpeace activists, including a Papuan woman and a campaigner, were detained during the demonstration and later taken to the Grogol Petamburan Police Station in West Jakarta.

As tensions rise over the intersection of Indonesia’s resource ambitions and indigenous and environmental rights, observers say the government faces a critical test in balancing development with sustainability and social justice.