The Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam) and the Coastal and Small Islands Advocacy Team (TAPaK) have filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office (AGO)over alleged corruption linked to nickel mining by PT Gema Kreasi Perdana (PT GKP), a subsidiary of the Harita Group, on Wawonii Island, Southeast Sulawesi.

The company, they claim, has continued operations despite a series of final and binding court rulings that declared its activities illegal and its permits revoked.

In a press statement on Wednesday, May 14 2025, TAPaK and Jatam's legal representatives accused several state institutions, including the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and members of the police of turning a blind eye to the illegal operations or even providing institutional protection.

“Despite their permit being revoked, PT GKP continues to export nickel and pay non-tax state revenues (PNBP) as if their operations were legal,” Yulianto Behar Nggali Mara, TAPaK’s lead counsel, said.

Legal action against PT GKP began years ago with residents of Wawonii, who have won a string of legal victories, including the landmark Supreme Court ruling No. 403 K/TUN/TF/2024, which canceled the company’s borrow-to-use forest area permit (IPPKH).

The Court’s ruling reinforced earlier decisions that also invalidated local zoning laws. In two separate rulings, Supreme Court Rulings No. 57 P/HUM/2022 and No. 14 P/HUM/2023, the Court has scrapped regional regulations allocating land for mining, effectively making Konawe Kepulauan Regency a mining-free zone.

A further attempt by PT GKP to change national legislation via the Constitutional Court was rejected in Ruling No. 35/PUU-XXI/2023, reaffirming that small islands are protected from extractive activities under Law No. 1/2014.

Despite these rulings, PT GKP has allegedly continued mining activities unabated.

Investigation

Jatam and TAPaK emphasized the urgency of an independent and transparent investigation by the AGO, warning that failure to act would deepen public distrust in law enforcement and environmental governance.

“Wawonii is home to over 42,000 people and a critical ecological zone. The law clearly prohibits mining on small islands,” Yulianto said. “The Attorney General must take firm action to halt operations, arrest those involved, and prosecute any official who has facilitated or ignored this violation.”

“The AGO must not bow to corporate interests. The integrity of our legal system and the safety of our people are at stake,” Fikerman Saragih, a lawyer for Tapak, said.

Hendry Drajat, Strategic Communication Manager of PT GKP, rejected allegations of illegal operations and environmental violations on Wawonii Island as reported by Jatam and TAPaK.

“PT GKP has fulfilled all licensing requirements under prevailing mining regulations, including the Work Plan and Budget (RKAB), Mining Business License (IUP), Forest Area Utilization Permit (IPPKH), and other technical permits. All are valid and verified by relevant authorities,” Hendry said in a written statement on Friday, May 16, 2025.

“As long as our operations are ongoing, we are committed to maintaining compliance with regulations and contributing to the country through both central and regional government channels, including through Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP),” he added.

From 2007 to 2025, GKP claims to have contributed over Rp116 billion to the state through regional taxes and PNBP.

General Manager of Government Relations & Permit,Bambang Murtiyoso, highlighted that these contributions reflect GKP’s commitment to transparency, environmental responsibility, and community empowerment.

“Our presence on Wawonii aims to generate sustainable value for both local communities and the environment. Industrial progress must go hand-in-hand with community development,” Bambang said earlier on April 28, 2025.