The minister denies nickel mining in Piaynemo Raja ampat: ‘It is 40 km away’

Saturday, June 7, 2025 – 17:39 Wib

Papua, live – The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, firmly denied reports that affirm that nickel mining activities are being carried out in Piaynemo, the iconic tourist destination in Raja AMPAT.

This clarification occurred after PT Gag Nikel, a PT Antam subsidiary, closed temporarily after accusations that he had damaged the local ecosystem.

Minister Lahadalia emphasized that PT Gag Nikel mining operations are located on Gag Island, not in Piaynemo.

The two locations, he said, are quite separate, 30 to 40 kilometers.

“The mining activity is found in Gag Island, not in Piaynemo, as shown in some media reports I have read. Often I visit Raja ampat. Piaynemo and Gag Island are separated from approximately 30 to 40 kilometers. Raja ampat is in fact a tourist area that we must protect,” he said Friday (June 6).

In addition, he clarified that the mining license for PT Gag Nikel was issued long before becoming a minister.

“When the mining permission was issued, he was still president of Hipmi Indonesia and had not yet entered the cabinet,” he added.

The data of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources show that PT GAG Nikel has a employment contract of generation VII No. B53/PRES/I/1998, signed on January 19, 1998 by the Indonesian President.

Initially, the company’s shares were maintained by Asia Pacific Nickel Pty. Ltd. (75%) and PT ANTAM (25%).

However, since 2008, PT ANTAM has acquired all actions and now has fully PT Gag Nikel.

The Ministry undertakes to monitor the company’s operations closely to guarantee the fulfillment of good mining practices.

“Therefore, to really understand the situation, we need to perform field controls for objective evaluation,” he concluded.