2) Torture during police detention in Sorong: Papuan man alleges severe beatings during custody
3) Indonesia, Australia to perform joint military training exercises
4) Australia encouraged TNI to use its training facilities in October
5) SW Papua: Govt suspends ops, orders evaluation of nickel mine
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1) Indonesian Minister Temporarily Halts Nickel Mining in Raja Ampat Reporter Riri Rahayu
June 5, 2025 | 06:24 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, has temporarily suspended nickel mining operations by PT Gag Nikel in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. The company's Mining Business License (IUP) was suspended as of Thursday, June 5, 2025.
This decision follows the widespread rejection of nickel mining in Raja Ampat by environmental activists and civil society groups, who cited threats to the region's delicate ecosystem.
"For the time being, we will halt its operations until field verification. We will check," Bahlil said at the ESDM Ministry on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
PT Gag Nikel is a subsidiary of PT Antam Tbk, a state-owned enterprise. Bahlil noted that the company's production IUP for nickel mining in Raja Ampat was issued in 2017, with operations commencing a year later. "An Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) was already in place before operations began," added the General Chair of the Golkar Party.
Previously, strong opposition to nickel mining in Raja Ampat was vocalized by Greenpeace Indonesia at the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference & Expo held at the Pullman Hotel on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Kiki Taufik, Global Head of Forest Campaigns for Greenpeace Indonesia, asserted that the Raja Ampat region would suffer irreparable damage if mining activities were allowed to continue. He highlighted the destructive impact the nickel industry has already had in areas such as Halmahera, Wawonii, and Kabaena, emphasizing that similar activities are now encroaching upon Raja Ampat.
"Currently, five islands are already being exploited. Yet, this area is a global geoparkand the most popular underwater tourist destination. Approximately 75 percent of the world's best coral reefs are found in Raja Ampat, and they are now beginning to be damaged," he explained.
Greenpeace's investigation last year uncovered mining activities on Gag Island, Kawe Island, and Manuran Island. These islands are classified as small islands, which, according to Law Number 1 of 2014 concerning the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands, should not be subjected to mining.
Greenpeace's analysis further indicates that mining activities on these three islands have caused damage to over 500 hectares of natural forests and vegetation. Field documentation also revealed soil runoff flowing into coastal areas, leading to sedimentation that poses a severe threat to coral reefs and the broader marine ecosystem.
Nandito Putra contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor’s Choice: Environment Ministry Considers Legal Action Against Nickel Mining in Raja Ampat
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Human Rights Monitor
2) Torture during police detention in Sorong: Papuan man alleges severe beatings during custody
On 15 March 2025, Police officers arbitrarily arrested Mr Ortizan F. Tarage,34, while fishing in a pond behind the Training Complex on Education Road, Kilometer 8 in Sorong, Papua Barat Daya Province. The officers failed to provide an explanation or a warrant at the time of the arrest. Later, the officers allegedly tortured Mr Tarage at the Sorong City Police Station. According to Mr Tarage, the torture involved beatings with bamboo, wood, a hose, and a metal object, causing serious bodily harm. He confessed to stealing one scooter but was coerced to admit to two additional thefts, which he had not committed under duress. After days of alleged ill-treatment, Mr Tarage was hospitalised, later diagnosed with stage five kidney failure, and is now seeking justice for the abuse he claims to have endured in custody.
Following his arrest, Mr Tarage was brought to the Sorong City Police Station, where he was immediately placed in a detention cell. From noon until late afternoon, he was reportedly tortured. He described being beaten continuously, leading to visible injuries across his face, shoulders, hands, thighs, and calves (see photo: source: Jubi). Despite fainting during one particularly brutal assault that resulted in bleeding from his ear and head, the violence allegedly persisted.
Following the torture, he was taken to Sele Be Solu Hospital, where he received only minimal treatment despite severe swellings, bruises, and the inability to walk. Police officers allegedly forced Mr Tarage to walk unaided to the hospital, collapsing in front of it without police officers assisting him. He was hospitalised for four days without substantial care. Upon release, he reported being chased and assaulted by one of the perpetrators from the police, with threats to silence him.
The arbitrary arrest and ill-treatment of Ortizan Tarage indicate a lack of procedural safeguards, including the right to be informed of charges, the right to legal counsel, and the right to humane conditions of detention. Furthermore, threats made to deter him from filing a complaint obstruct his right to an effective remedy under Article 2(3) International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Relatives demand that the officers involved be suspended and held criminally accountable. They want to file an official complaint to the Profession and Security Division of the Police (Propam). Mr Tarage should be granted full access to medical treatment, legal aid, and reparations — including rehabilitation and compensation — in line with General Comment No. 31 of the Human Rights Committee on the ICCPR. The case underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms within Indonesia’s law enforcement, especially regarding custody safeguards, accountability mechanisms, and the absolute prohibition of torture.
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3) Indonesia, Australia to perform joint military training exercises
June 5, 2025 19:06 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced that the Indonesian Military (TNI) is ready to conduct joint military exercises with Australia in the Morotai Islands District, North Maluku Province.
Sjamsoeddin confirmed this after meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Richard Marles, here on Thursday.
He noted that this military cooperation was initiated at Australia's request.
The minister stated that his side positively welcomed this request, as it would positively impact bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia.
Additionally, he highlighted that the cooperation would also help strengthen Indonesia's security and stability in the region.
"Later, we will use the Morotai training area in Maluku for the training needs between the Indonesian Air Force and the Australian Air Force," Sjamsoeddin told the media.
He remarked that the exercises would not be limited to air defense but would also include maritime defense activities in the Morotai area.
The joint exercises will feature various activities such as combat simulations, testing of main defense systems, and mutual learning of war strategies.
When asked about the schedule for the exercises, the minister was unable to provide specific details.
However, he expressed hope that the military cooperation would further reinforce bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia.
On Thursday, Minister Sjamsoeddin welcomed Richard Marles at the Ministry of Defense office in Central Jakarta.
According to ANTARA's monitoring, Marles arrived at 10 a.m. local time, accompanied by a delegation, and was greeted directly by Sjamsoeddin, who had been waiting in front of the Ministry of Defense building.
The two officials then attended a welcome ceremony and conducted a ceremonial troop inspection.
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Sjamsoeddin confirmed this after meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Richard Marles, here on Thursday.
He noted that this military cooperation was initiated at Australia's request.
The minister stated that his side positively welcomed this request, as it would positively impact bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia.
Additionally, he highlighted that the cooperation would also help strengthen Indonesia's security and stability in the region.
"Later, we will use the Morotai training area in Maluku for the training needs between the Indonesian Air Force and the Australian Air Force," Sjamsoeddin told the media.
He remarked that the exercises would not be limited to air defense but would also include maritime defense activities in the Morotai area.
The joint exercises will feature various activities such as combat simulations, testing of main defense systems, and mutual learning of war strategies.
When asked about the schedule for the exercises, the minister was unable to provide specific details.
However, he expressed hope that the military cooperation would further reinforce bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia.
On Thursday, Minister Sjamsoeddin welcomed Richard Marles at the Ministry of Defense office in Central Jakarta.
According to ANTARA's monitoring, Marles arrived at 10 a.m. local time, accompanied by a delegation, and was greeted directly by Sjamsoeddin, who had been waiting in front of the Ministry of Defense building.
The two officials then attended a welcome ceremony and conducted a ceremonial troop inspection.
Related news: Indonesia-Australia defense deal not a military alliance, says Prabowo
Related news: Indonesia, Australia destined to help each other: Prabowo
Translator: Walda, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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https://en.antaranews.com/news/358069/australia-encouraged-tni-to-use-its-training-facilities-in-october
4) Australia encouraged TNI to use its training facilities in October
June 5, 2025 21:39 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Australia has encouraged the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to take advantage of its military training facilities during an exercise scheduled for October at the Mount Bundy Training Facility in the Northern Territory.
This was conveyed by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles during a meeting with Indonesian Minister of Defence Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Ministry of Defence office in Jakarta on Thursday.
“We are encouraging the TNI to unilaterally take advantage of Australia’s training facilities. The first iteration of this will be the TNI conducting training at Mount Bundy in October of this year,” Marles said during a media doorstop in Jakarta.
Marles also mentioned that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke had recently met with President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta.
During that bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Albanese and President Subianto expressed strong ambitions to fully capitalize on the opportunities offered by the Defence Cooperation Agreement between the two countries. This agreement laid the foundation for the discussions between Marles and Minister Sjamsoeddin.
“What the Defence Cooperation Agreement does is provide much greater seamless access for both of our defence forces to operate from each other’s facilities,” Marles stated.
Furthermore, Marles extended an invitation to Minister Sjamsoeddin to visit Australia.
He noted that Minister Sjafrie is no stranger to Australia, having been among the first Indonesian cadets to attend the Royal Military College at Duntroon, alongside current President Prabowo Subianto.
Following President Subianto's recent return visit to Duntroon, Marles expressed hope that Minister Sjamsoeddin would make a similar visit.
“We hope to do the same with Minister Sjafrie, so he can return to his old stomping ground. He even said he would be happy to stay in the barracks at Duntroon,” Marles said.
In November last year, approximately 2,000 Australian military personnel participated in the bilateral Exercise Keris Woomera, which was centered in Indonesia.
This exercise was the largest bilateral military exercise ever conducted between Australia and Indonesia, and one of the largest exercises Australia held outside its own country last year.
Related news: Indonesia, Australia to perform joint military training exercises
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This was conveyed by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles during a meeting with Indonesian Minister of Defence Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Ministry of Defence office in Jakarta on Thursday.
“We are encouraging the TNI to unilaterally take advantage of Australia’s training facilities. The first iteration of this will be the TNI conducting training at Mount Bundy in October of this year,” Marles said during a media doorstop in Jakarta.
Marles also mentioned that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke had recently met with President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta.
During that bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Albanese and President Subianto expressed strong ambitions to fully capitalize on the opportunities offered by the Defence Cooperation Agreement between the two countries. This agreement laid the foundation for the discussions between Marles and Minister Sjamsoeddin.
“What the Defence Cooperation Agreement does is provide much greater seamless access for both of our defence forces to operate from each other’s facilities,” Marles stated.
Furthermore, Marles extended an invitation to Minister Sjamsoeddin to visit Australia.
He noted that Minister Sjafrie is no stranger to Australia, having been among the first Indonesian cadets to attend the Royal Military College at Duntroon, alongside current President Prabowo Subianto.
Following President Subianto's recent return visit to Duntroon, Marles expressed hope that Minister Sjamsoeddin would make a similar visit.
“We hope to do the same with Minister Sjafrie, so he can return to his old stomping ground. He even said he would be happy to stay in the barracks at Duntroon,” Marles said.
In November last year, approximately 2,000 Australian military personnel participated in the bilateral Exercise Keris Woomera, which was centered in Indonesia.
This exercise was the largest bilateral military exercise ever conducted between Australia and Indonesia, and one of the largest exercises Australia held outside its own country last year.
Related news: Indonesia, Australia to perform joint military training exercises
Related news: Govt to pursue joint military exercises in eastern region
Translator: Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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5) SW Papua: Govt suspends ops, orders evaluation of nickel mine
June 5, 2025 19:52 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has sought an evaluation of a nickel mining site in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, and ordered the company in charge of the site to temporarily halt operations.
“We are temporarily halting their operations until the field verification (is completed),” he said at a press conference at the ministry’s office here on Thursday.
According to Lahadalia, the company can only resume operations once the verification, conducted by the ministry, is completed.
He added that the ministry will dispatch a team to the field to evaluate the actual conditions at the site.
“For now, all production activities are suspended until the verification team completes its assessment,” he informed.
Earlier, Lahadalia said that the government will summon the holders of nickel mining permits in the Raja Ampat area to evaluate their mining activities.
“We will conduct an evaluation. There will be a meeting with my director generals, and I will summon the permit holders, whether state-owned or private,” he informed after attending the Human Capital Summit here on Tuesday.
He said that some “local wisdoms and cultural values” were not considered in the mining operations.
He also acknowledged aspirations from the Papuan community for the development of a smelter in the area.
Meanwhile, Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, said that his ministry will review reports concerning nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat and did not rule out potential legal action.
“We are investigating (mining activities in) Raja Ampat. We have carried out the mapping and we will head there as soon as possible,” he said after the 2025 World Environment Day commemoration in Badung district, Bali, on Thursday.
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“We are temporarily halting their operations until the field verification (is completed),” he said at a press conference at the ministry’s office here on Thursday.
According to Lahadalia, the company can only resume operations once the verification, conducted by the ministry, is completed.
He added that the ministry will dispatch a team to the field to evaluate the actual conditions at the site.
“For now, all production activities are suspended until the verification team completes its assessment,” he informed.
Earlier, Lahadalia said that the government will summon the holders of nickel mining permits in the Raja Ampat area to evaluate their mining activities.
“We will conduct an evaluation. There will be a meeting with my director generals, and I will summon the permit holders, whether state-owned or private,” he informed after attending the Human Capital Summit here on Tuesday.
He said that some “local wisdoms and cultural values” were not considered in the mining operations.
He also acknowledged aspirations from the Papuan community for the development of a smelter in the area.
Meanwhile, Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, said that his ministry will review reports concerning nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat and did not rule out potential legal action.
“We are investigating (mining activities in) Raja Ampat. We have carried out the mapping and we will head there as soon as possible,” he said after the 2025 World Environment Day commemoration in Badung district, Bali, on Thursday.
Related news: Minister orders thorough review after Cirebon mining landslide
Related news: Indonesia to inspect mines on small islands over pollution concerns
Translator: Maria, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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