Minister Denies Nickel Mining in Piaynemo Raja Ampat: 'It's 40 Km Away'

Papua, VIVA – Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, firmly denied reports claiming that nickel mining activities are taking place in Piaynemo, the iconic tourist destination in Raja Ampat.

This clarification came after PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of PT ANTAM, was temporarily shut down following allegations that it had damaged the local ecosystem.

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

The two locations, he stated, are quite far apart—about 30 to 40 kilometers.

“The mining activity is on Gag Island, not Piaynemo as shown in some media reports I’ve read. I often visit Raja Ampat. Piaynemo and Gag Island are roughly 30 to 40 kilometers apart. Raja Ampat is indeed a tourism area that we must protect,” the minister said on Friday (June 6).

He further clarified that the mining license for PT Gag Nikel was issued long before he became a minister.

“When the mining permit was issued, I was still Chairman of HIPMI Indonesia and had not yet entered the Cabinet,” he added.

Data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources shows that PT Gag Nikel holds a Generation VII Contract of Work No. B53/Pres/I/1998, signed on January 19, 1998, by the Indonesian President.

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

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

The ministry is committed to closely monitoring the company’s operations to ensure compliance with good mining practices.

“Therefore, to truly understand the situation, we need to conduct field checks for an objective assessment,” he concluded.