Jakarta, 10 June 2025 – Kiki Taufik, Global Head of Greenpeace Indonesia’s Forest Campaign commented as follows on today’s announcement that the government would cancel four out of five active nickel mining permits within Raja Ampat, West Papua:
“The cancellation of these four mining permits is a glimmer of good news and an important first step towards full and permanent protection for all of Raja Ampat from the nickel industry. Indigenous and local peoples in West Papua, many of whom have been speaking out to protect the Raja Ampat archipelago as part of the Raja Ampat Nature Protection Alliance, have been defending their traditional livelihoods from this threat.
“Greenpeace Indonesia appreciates this announcement, but we continue to demand full and permanent protection for all of Raja Ampat, including cancellation of all mining licences, both active and non-active. In recent history, revoked mining permits have been reissued after campaigns and court action by mining companies, so it is especially important that robust legal protection is put in place to ensure this cannot happen again.
“We invite the public to join us in monitoring the government to ensure it enforces full remediation and ecological restoration for areas already damaged by mining activities. The outpouring of public concern – with tens of thousands of people signing and posting under the banner of #SaveRajaAmpat in just a matter of days – is a source of hope that when people join together, we can achieve change for good.
“Just as importantly, we urge the government to resolve social conflicts that have arisen among local communities since the arrival of mining in Raja Ampat, and to ensure the safety of those who have voiced their opposition to nickel mining.”
The government must also focus on achieving sustainable ecotourism that protects Raja Ampat while benefiting Indigenous and local peoples, as well as ensuring a just transition for people previously employed in mining.
“Nickel mining permits on small islands have created misery and wrought severe environmental damage not only in Raja Ampat but elsewhere across Eastern Indonesia. We urge the government to listen to the calls for help from those areas too, and to undertake a thorough evaluation of mining permits there.
“All development in Indonesia, but especially in West Papua, must be based on full recognition of the rights of Indigenous Peoples and only proceed on the basis of the principles of humanity, justice, and with Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). As West Papuans say, Papua Bukan Tanah Kosong! (Papua is not an empty land!).”
Note:
The reported announcement said that mining permits for the following companies would be cancelled: PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (Kawe Island), PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (Manuran Island), PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (Manyaifun and Batang Pele Islands), and PT Nurham (Waigeo Island).
Contact:
Igor O’Neill, Greenpeace Indonesia, [email protected] +61-414-288-424
