Indonesia’s green groups and Papuan residents have welcomed President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to revoke almost all nickel-mining permits in the country’s biodiversity gem of the Raja Ampat Islands, but urged authorities to protect other small and outlying areas from damage brought by such activities.
Raja Ampat, an archipelagic region in Southwest Papua, has been dubbed the “last paradise on Earth” due to its extremely rich terrestrial and marine biodiversity, which includes 540 species of coral and more than 1,500 species of fish.
The postcard-perfect archipelago, comprising more than 610 islands, is popular among divers, including those who can pay extra for luxury yachts and eco-friendly lodges.
It was no surprise that Indonesians were up in arms to condemn nickel mining in the region, after the issue was exposed by Greenpeace Indonesia and four young Papuans who staged a protest during the Indonesia Critical Minerals expo in Jakarta on June 3.
According to Greenpeace, nickel mining has already led to the destruction of “over 500 hectares of forest and specialised native vegetation” in three islands within Raja Ampat: Gag Island, Kawe Island and Manuran Island.
“Extensive documentation shows soil runoff causing turbidity and sedimentation in coastal waters – a direct threat to Raja Ampat’s delicate coral reefs and marine ecosystems – as a result of deforestation and excavation,” Greenpeace claimed in a statement on June 3.
Other small islands in Raja Ampat, such as Batang Pele and Manyaifun, were also “under imminent threat” from nickel mining, and these two islands were located about 30km from Piaynemo, the iconic karst island formation depicted on Indonesia’s 100,000-rupiah banknote.
