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REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, RAJA AMPAT -- The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) stated that the nickel mining operations of PT GAG Nikel on Gag Island, Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, are not considered problematic based on a recent site visit by Minister of ESDM Bahlil Lahadalia and his team.
“We saw from above that sedimentation in the coastal area was also absent. So overall this mine is not a problem,” said Director General of Minerals and Coal (Minerba) Ministry of ESDM Tri Winarno during the visit, as quoted in Jakarta, Sunday (8/6/2025).
Despite the positive initial impression, Tri confirmed that a team of Mine Inspectors has been deployed to conduct a more detailed inspection across several Mining Business Permit Areas (WIUP) in Raja Ampat. Their findings will be used to formulate further recommendations.
“Overall, the reclamation here is pretty good too, but later we'll keep the 'report' from the Mine Inspector what it will be like, then later we will have the results of the evaluation we did from the Mine Inspector's report and then we will execute it for what it will be like,” he added.
Director of Business Development of PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) I Dewa Wirantaya emphasized that PT GAG Nikel, a subsidiary of Antam, is committed to responsible mining practices and regulatory compliance.
“As we witnessed together, all stakeholders can see here we are performing reclamation observance, anchoring to mine overflow water and so on,” he said.
“Of course, our hope, PT GAG Nikel's presence here can provide added value, in addition to being a business entity, as a state-owned enterprise, we also as an agent of development provide added value to stakeholders, especially the people in Gag Island,” he continued.
Based on the ministry's field evaluation, five companies are currently holding mining concessions in Raja Ampat Regency: PT GAG Nikel, PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, PT Mulia Raymond, and PT Nurham. Among these, only PT GAG Nikel is actively producing nickel and holds a Contract of Work (KK) status.
PT GAG Nikel is registered in the Mineral One Data Indonesia (MODI) platform under License Deed Number 430.K/30/DJB/2017, with a permit covering 13,136 hectares. The company is also one of 13 firms allowed to continue mining in forest areas until the expiration of their permits or agreements, as stipulated in Presidential Decree No. 41/2004.
As background, the Minister of ESDM had previously suspended PT GAG Nikel’s operations on June 5, 2025. The decision followed public concerns regarding the environmental impact of mining on Raja Ampat’s tourism areas. The recent inspection was part of the government’s response to these concerns.
sumber : ANTARA
