The government has yet to reach a final decision regarding the polemic over mining activities on small islands, particularly in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, where public concern over environmental degradation continues to grow.
Hendra Gunawan, an official from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), said the issue is currently under inter-ministerial discussion. He confirmed that the Ministry of Environment has issued a circular letter addressing the matter, while coordination is also ongoing with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
“The decision has not been finalized yet. I was not present in the latest coordination meeting, but the issue is already under cross-ministerial review. The process is ongoing,” Hendra told a media gathering in Jakarta on Friday, July 4, 2025.
Mining activities on small islands have recently become the focus of various parties because they are considered vulnerable to damaging the environment and threatening the survival of coastal communities. The demand to evaluate and stop mining in the area continues to be voiced by environmental activists and local indigenous communities.
In the context of legal certainty for mining on small islands. Hendra said that his party is currently studying the Constitutional Court (MK) ruling further.
Basically, the Constitutional Court Judge allows mining on small islands as long as it meets the requirements/provisions of Good Mining Practice, or environmental and social aspects.
"The permit in the Raja Ampat area has been revoked. However, for other areas, there has been no renewal of the permit," he explained.
Hendra added that regulations regarding mining activities on small islands are still in the drafting stage and there is no certainty regarding the continuation of operations in other locations with similar characteristics.
"We are still waiting for official direction from the Minister," he concluded.
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