Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  The Ministry of Environment has uncovered serious environmental and regulatory violations at nickel mining sites in Raja Ampat, Papua Barat Daya, including unauthorized operations on small islands.

“Mining on small islands is a betrayal of intergenerational justice. We won’t hesitate to revoke permits if irreversible ecosystem damage is proven,” said Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq on Thursday (5//6/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

Inspections from 26–31 May 2025 revealed breaches by several companies, including Chinese-owned PT ASP, which operated on 746 hectares of Pulau Manuran without waste management or environmental safeguards. Authorities have halted activities at the site.

The mining operations by PT GN and others also contravene Indonesia’s Law No. 1/2014, which prohibits extractive activities on small islands to protect fragile marine and coastal ecosystems.

The ministry is reviewing environmental approvals for all companies involved and may proceed with enforcement actions, including permit revocations, to uphold ecological sustainability and rule of law.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)