The Papua Coalition for Law Enforcement and Human Rights has called on the government to take immediate legal action against four nickel mining companies accused of causing ecological damage in Raja Ampat. 

The coalition has also condemned the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the Governor of Southwest Papua, and the Regent of Raja Ampat for allegedly committing maladministration and interfering with the authority of Indonesia’s Special Police for Coastal and Small Islands Management (Polsus PWP3K).

“The visit and public remarks by the Minister and regional officials are not only outside their authority but also undermine the rule of law and proper investigative procedures,” Emmanuel Gobay, Executive Member of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), said.

“This is a clear violation of the principle of professionalism as mandated by Indonesian law. Only Polsus PWP3K has the legal competence to carry out such investigations.” he added.

According to the coalition, four companies − PT Gag Nikel (Gag Island), PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (Manura Island), PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (Batang Pele Island), and PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (Kawe Island) − are in violation of Article 35(k) of Law No. 1/2014, which prohibits mineral mining in coastal and small island areas that may result in ecological damage, pollution, or harm to local communities.

ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has since ordered a temporary suspension of PT Gag Nikel’s operations. However, investigations fall strictly under the jurisdiction of Polsus PWP3K, a specialized task force under the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, not political or administrative leaders.

Legal breach

Despite the ongoing official investigation by Polsus PWP3K, the Minister, the Governor, and the Regent visited Gag Island on June 7, 2025, and publicly commented on the situation, which the coalition claims constitutes unauthorized interference.

“Their statements are subjective and appear to defend corporate interests, especially PT Gag Nikel, rather than uphold environmental and public rights,” Gobay said.

These actions, the coalition claims, violate the principle of professionalism as outlined in Articles 3 and 7 of Law No. 28/1999, which governs ethical conduct among public officials and requires respect for institutional mandates.

Demands

The Coalition issued the following demands:

1. The Minister of ESDM, Governor of Southwest Papua, and Regent of Raja Ampat must immediately cease actions that interfere with Polsus PWP3K’s mandate.

2. The Indonesian Ombudsman must formally warn these officials for maladministration, in accordance with Law No. 37/2008 on the Ombudsman.

3. The Polsus PWP3K task force must initiate legal action against the four companies accused of damaging protected coastal ecosystems.

4. Regional leaders must support, not obstruct, environmental law enforcement and preserve the ecological integrity of Raja Ampat.

Polsus PWP3K deployed its investigative team on June 5, 2025, but has not yet released its findings. The coalition warned that premature statements from public officials could compromise the investigation’s credibility and independence.