Here Are Greenpeace's Highlights on the Impact of Nickel Mining in Raja Ampat

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The issue of nickel mining and downstream processing in Raja Ampat, Papua, has sparked public concern, especially after several Greenpeace Indonesia activists staged a peaceful protest during the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference & Expo at the Pullman Hotel in Jakarta on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Three Greenpeace activists, accompanied by a Papuan woman, unfurled banners while Deputy Foreign Minister Arif Havas Oegroseno was delivering his speech. They voiced strong concerns about the negative impact of nickel mining in Raja Ampat on the environment and the livelihoods of local communities.

"The government is responsible for the environmental damage that has occurred in Raja Ampat, in Papua. Save Raja Ampat," said one of the young men as he addressed the audience while holding a banner. The activists displayed three yellow posters with black lettering. The banners read: "What's the true cost of your nickel?", "Nickel mines destroy lives", and "Save Raja Ampat from nickel mining."

In response, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK/BPLH) has begun reviewing reports of nickel mining operations in Raja Ampat Regency. "We can only respond in part, as the Deputy of Law Enforcement has also followed up on this," said Rosa Vivien Ratnawati, Principal Secretary of KLHK/BPLH, after attending the 45th Anniversary Kalpataru Seminar at the Truntum Kuta Hotel in Bali on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Meanwhile, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia stated that his ministry will evaluate the nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat. He also mentioned plans to summon the owners of the mining companies involved.

Bahlil added that he is considering a proposal to build a smelter in the area but emphasized that an environmental impact assessment must be conducted first. "In Papua, similar to Aceh, there is special autonomy. So the treatment is also special," Bahlil told journalists at JCC Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

The Impacts of Nickel Mining in Raja Ampat

Kiki Taufik, Head of the Indonesian Forest Campaign for Greenpeace Global, warned that nickel mining in Papua could severely threaten biodiversity and ecotourism, especially in Raja Ampat.

Raja Ampat is home to 75 percent of the world’s coral species, 1,400 species of coral fish, and 700 species of invertebrate mollusks. Among the unique marine life in this area is the giant manta ray (Mobula birostris).

"So, there is a region in Raja Ampat called Selat Dampier. It has strong currents, but it is the habitat of large manta rays," Kiki said at the Pullman Hotel Jakarta Central Park on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

He explained that the downstream effects of nickel mining in Raja Ampat threaten not only marine biodiversity but also endemic wildlife found in the region. One such species is the red bird-of-paradise (Cicinnurus respublica), also known as Wilson’s bird-of-paradise, which is native to the area and found nowhere else in the world.

This vibrant bird is a key attraction for international birdwatchers. Kiki noted that red birds-of-paradise are often seen near local settlements, making them an essential part of the ecotourism industry that benefits nearby communities.

In Waisai District, for instance, many locals operate homestays for visitors, especially birdwatchers who come to see the species in its natural habitat.

Ecotourism plays a vital role in the region’s economy. In 2020, it contributed about 15 percent of Raja Ampat Regency’s Original Regional Revenue (PAD), generating approximately Rp 7.005 billion from accommodation fees, tourist boat taxes, and entrance card charges for both domestic and foreign visitors.

However, the growth and sustainability of this sector are under threat due to nickel mining activities on Gag Island, Kawe Island, and Manuran Island—all part of the Raja Ampat archipelago. According to Law Number 1 of 2014 on the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands, mining on small islands is legally prohibited.

Greenpeace reports that more than 500 hectares of natural forest and vegetation have already been cleared for mining operations. In addition to land degradation, Kiki also raised alarms about damage to coral reefs caused by barges transporting nickel through Raja Ampat’s waters.

Defara Dhanya, Annisa Febiola, Muhammad Wilan Al Gifari, and Nandito Putra contributed to this article.

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