2) List of Five Companies Holding Mining Business Licenses in Raja Ampat
3) RI Govt vows action over four nickel mining companies in Raja Ampat,
4) Energy minister deploys inspectors to review mines in Raja Ampat
5) Free meals have reached 7,000 children in West Papua's South Manokwari
6) Gag Island mine: No environmental issues found in initial review
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1) Sri Mulyani makes first frontline visit to Papua
A Defense Ministry spokesperson said the visit marked “the first time a finance minister had visited a high-risk conflict zone in Nduga,” state news agency Antara reported.
News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, June 8, 2025
News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, June 8, 2025
F inance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati made her first-ever visit to a conflict-prone area of Papua over the weekend, joining Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in inspecting Indonesian Military (TNI) troops stationed in Nduga regency, one of the country’s most volatile security zones. Saturday’s working visit took the ministers from Timika to Kenyam district, where they inspected an outpost of the Army's 733rd Infantry Battalion/Masariku, a unit operating in one of Papua's most volatile areas.
The delegation wore bulletproof vests during the trip, which the ministry described as occurring in a "high-risk" zone. Defense Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Frega Ferdinand Wenas Inkiriwang said the visit marked “the first time a finance minister had visited a high-risk conflict zone in Nduga,” state news agency Antara reported.
The visit comes as the Defense Ministry seeks to bolster its state budget allocation for 2026, with an indicative ceiling of Rp 167.4 trillion (US$10.27 billion), up from the Rp 155.9 trillion allocated for this year. The ministry is hoping to increase spending on defense modernization, soldier welfare and operations in frontier regions like Papua, where military presence has fluctuated in response to separatist violence. During the visit, the ministers received a situation briefing from Lt. Gen. Bambang Trisnohadi, commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command (Kogabwilhan) III. They also met with local government leaders and community members through the Nduga District Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimkab).
The Defense Ministry emphasized that the joint visit was designed to “reaffirm synergy between national defense and state finances in supporting national stability”.
Indonesia’s defense spending has remained below 1 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), lower than regional peers such as Vietnam and Thailand. Meanwhile, the ministry also faces scrutiny over the transparency of its allocations, particularly regarding operations in conflict areas like Papua. Though Papua remains a priority under President Prabowo Subianto ’s development and security agenda, detailed breakdowns of how much defense spending is specifically directed to the region are rarely made public.
A review of state budget documents, including the ministry’s budgeting and operational plans, its White Paper and relevant legislative hearing transcripts, found no data specifying province-level allocations since 2014. Local government budget reports similarly group “defense and security” into broad categories without breaking down which funds are sourced from Jakarta. In absolute terms, the defense budget also remains smaller than those for education, food security and energy subsidies, which make up the current administration’s priority programs. Sri Mulyani and her office have not publicly commented on the Papua trip or the 2026 defense budget allocation.
The Defense Ministry emphasized that the joint visit was designed to “reaffirm synergy between national defense and state finances in supporting national stability”.
Indonesia’s defense spending has remained below 1 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), lower than regional peers such as Vietnam and Thailand. Meanwhile, the ministry also faces scrutiny over the transparency of its allocations, particularly regarding operations in conflict areas like Papua. Though Papua remains a priority under President Prabowo Subianto ’s development and security agenda, detailed breakdowns of how much defense spending is specifically directed to the region are rarely made public.
A review of state budget documents, including the ministry’s budgeting and operational plans, its White Paper and relevant legislative hearing transcripts, found no data specifying province-level allocations since 2014. Local government budget reports similarly group “defense and security” into broad categories without breaking down which funds are sourced from Jakarta. In absolute terms, the defense budget also remains smaller than those for education, food security and energy subsidies, which make up the current administration’s priority programs. Sri Mulyani and her office have not publicly commented on the Papua trip or the 2026 defense budget allocation.
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2) List of Five Companies Holding Mining Business Licenses in Raja Ampat
Reporter Riri Rahayu June 8, 2025 | 01:07 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia stated that there are five mining companies that have official permits to operate in Raja Ampat, West Papua. Two companies have permits from the central government, while the other three have permits from the local government. Here is the list.
1. PT Gag Nikel
Bahlil stated that PT GAG Nikel has held a production operation permit since 2017. This is based on the Decree of the Minister of ESDM Number 430.K/30/DJB/2017 which is valid until November 30, 2047. Bahlil claimed the holder of the Generation VII Contract of Work (CoW) with an area of 13,136 hectares on Gag Island has had an Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) document in 2014, followed by Amdal addendums in 2022, and Type A Amdal addendums issued last year by the Minister of Environment and Forestry.
Meanwhile, the Forest Area Borrowing Permit (IPPKH) was issued in 2015 and 2018 and the Work Area Arrangement (PAK) was issued in 2020. Until 2025, PT Gag Nikel's total mining area has reached 187.87 hectares, with 135.45 hectares already reclaimed. According to Bahlil, PT Gag Nikel has not yet discharged wastewater as it is still awaiting the issuance of an Operation Feasibility Certificate (SLO).
2. PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP)
The Production Operation Business License (IUP) of PT ASP was issued by the central government, namely through Decree of the Minister of ESDM Number 91201051135050013 issued on January 7, 2024 and valid until January 7, 2034. The company has an operating area of 1,173 hectares on Manuran Island. For environmental aspects, PT ASP has had an Amdal document in 2006 and UKL-UPL in the same year from the Regent of Raja Ampat.
3. PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP)
PT MRP holds an IUP from the Regent's Decree Number 153.A in 2013. The decree is valid for 20 years until February 26, 2033 and covers an area of 2,193 hectares on Batang Pele Island. According to the Ministry of ESDM records, this company's activities are still in the exploration (drilling) stage and do not have environmental documents or environmental approvals yet.
4. PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM)
The legal basis of the IUP held by PT KSM is the Regent's Decree Number 290 in 2013, valid until 2033 with an area of 5,922 hectares. Regarding land use, the company holds IPPKH based on the Minister of Environment and Forestry's Decision in 2022. Production activities have been carried out since 2023, but currently there are no ongoing production activities.
5. PT Nurham
PT Nurham holds an IUP based on the Regent of Raja Ampat Decree Number 8/1/IUP/PMDN/2025. The company has a permit until 2033 with an area of 3,000 hectares on Waegeo Island. PT Nurham has had environmental approval from the Raja Ampat District Government since 2013, but the company has not commenced production until now.
Editor's Choice: Minister Bahlil Says Raja Ampat Mining Permit Issued Before His Tenure
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3) RI Govt vows action over four nickel mining companies in Raja Ampat,
June 8 2025 17:59 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq disclosed that the government would take action against four nickel mining companies operating on different islands in Raja Ampat District, Southwest Papua, in response to growing public concerns about environmental degradation.
Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta on Sunday, he named the companies as PT Gag Nikel operating on Gag Island, PT Anugerah Surya Pratama on Manuran Island, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining on Kawei Island, and PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa on Manyaifun Island.
Nurofiq noted that his ministry would review the environmental clearance granted to PT Gag Nikel despite the company meeting all nickel mining requirements.
This decision is made based on several considerations, including the fact that the company’s now-suspended mining activities took place on a small island, which may violate Law No. 1 of 2014 concerning the management of coastal areas and small islands.
Related news: DPR supports govt's firm response to Raja Ampat mining issues
A similar measure would also be taken on PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, with legal measures planned due to indications of environmental degradation, such as sedimentation and water clouding found during inspections, he added.
Regarding PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, Nurofiq stressed that his ministry would take appropriate steps against the company for operating outside its permitted area.
Meanwhile, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, which possesses a mining business permit (IUP) but lacks an environmental clearance document, is expected to have its exploratory activities suspended.
"We will simply stop their exploration since the company has not begun any (mining) activities," Nurofiq said.
He then emphasized that the Ministry of Environment would coordinate with the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, Forestry Ministry, and Southwest Papua Government to address these mining issues.
The ministry also intends to immediately carry out a firsthand inspection of the islands, following the example of ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia’s recent visit to a nickel mining site on Gag Island.
Related news: Indonesia's minister inspects nickel mine In Raja Ampat after protests
Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta on Sunday, he named the companies as PT Gag Nikel operating on Gag Island, PT Anugerah Surya Pratama on Manuran Island, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining on Kawei Island, and PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa on Manyaifun Island.
Nurofiq noted that his ministry would review the environmental clearance granted to PT Gag Nikel despite the company meeting all nickel mining requirements.
This decision is made based on several considerations, including the fact that the company’s now-suspended mining activities took place on a small island, which may violate Law No. 1 of 2014 concerning the management of coastal areas and small islands.
Related news: DPR supports govt's firm response to Raja Ampat mining issues
A similar measure would also be taken on PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, with legal measures planned due to indications of environmental degradation, such as sedimentation and water clouding found during inspections, he added.
Regarding PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, Nurofiq stressed that his ministry would take appropriate steps against the company for operating outside its permitted area.
Meanwhile, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, which possesses a mining business permit (IUP) but lacks an environmental clearance document, is expected to have its exploratory activities suspended.
"We will simply stop their exploration since the company has not begun any (mining) activities," Nurofiq said.
He then emphasized that the Ministry of Environment would coordinate with the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, Forestry Ministry, and Southwest Papua Government to address these mining issues.
The ministry also intends to immediately carry out a firsthand inspection of the islands, following the example of ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia’s recent visit to a nickel mining site on Gag Island.
Related news: Indonesia's minister inspects nickel mine In Raja Ampat after protests
Translator: Mecca Y/Prisca T, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
4) Energy minister deploys inspectors to review mines in Raja Ampat
June 8, 2025 16:43 GMT+700
Raja Ampat, Papua Barat Daya (ANTARA) - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has deployed mining inspectors to assess five mining sites in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, to ensure all operations comply with national laws and regulations.
"For the other islands, together with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, we have conducted aerial reviews. We will also assign mining inspectors to assess those areas," said Director General of Minerals and Coal at the Ministry, Tri Winarno.
He made the statement while accompanying Minister Lahadalia during a site visit to Gag Island, Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, as quoted here on Sunday.
The ministry’s evaluation will cover aspects such as environmental protection and the sustainability of coastal and small island ecosystems, in accordance with the Constitutional Court's ruling Number 35/PUU-XXI/2023, which bans mining in coastal and small island areas.
Aside from the nickel mining operations on Gag Island, Winarno noted that Kawe Island also holds a production permit.
"Mining operations on Kawe ceased in 2024, with total production reaching around 700,000 tons," he stated.
Five mining companies are officially licensed to operate in the Raja Ampat region.
Two of them received permits from the central government: PT Gag Nikel, which holds a Production Operation permit since 2017, and PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP), licensed since 2013.
Three other companies obtained permits from the local government, including PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP) with a mining business permit (IUP) issued in 2013, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM) with an IUP issued in 2013, and PT Nurham with an IUP issued in 2025.
"There will be no changes to the spatial planning for the permits that have already been granted," Winarno emphasized.
Related news: Energy minister to inspect Raja Ampat nickel mining
Related news: Gag Island mine: No environmental issues found in initial review
"For the other islands, together with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, we have conducted aerial reviews. We will also assign mining inspectors to assess those areas," said Director General of Minerals and Coal at the Ministry, Tri Winarno.
He made the statement while accompanying Minister Lahadalia during a site visit to Gag Island, Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, as quoted here on Sunday.
The ministry’s evaluation will cover aspects such as environmental protection and the sustainability of coastal and small island ecosystems, in accordance with the Constitutional Court's ruling Number 35/PUU-XXI/2023, which bans mining in coastal and small island areas.
Aside from the nickel mining operations on Gag Island, Winarno noted that Kawe Island also holds a production permit.
"Mining operations on Kawe ceased in 2024, with total production reaching around 700,000 tons," he stated.
Five mining companies are officially licensed to operate in the Raja Ampat region.
Two of them received permits from the central government: PT Gag Nikel, which holds a Production Operation permit since 2017, and PT Anugerah Surya Pratama (ASP), licensed since 2013.
Three other companies obtained permits from the local government, including PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa (MRP) with a mining business permit (IUP) issued in 2013, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining (KSM) with an IUP issued in 2013, and PT Nurham with an IUP issued in 2025.
"There will be no changes to the spatial planning for the permits that have already been granted," Winarno emphasized.
Related news: Energy minister to inspect Raja Ampat nickel mining
Related news: Gag Island mine: No environmental issues found in initial review
Translator: Putu Indah Savitri, Katriana
Editor: Primayanti
5) Free meals have reached 7,000 children in West Papua's South Manokwari
June 8, 2025 16:30 GMT+700
Manokwari (ANTARA) - The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program has served approximately 7,000 schoolchildren in South Manokwari District, West Papua Province, according to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
Mohamad Fadil Alchoiri, coordinating staff for Promotion and Nutritional Education at BGN, said two dedicated kitchens—officially known as nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs)—are currently operating in the district.
“There are two SPPGs in South Manokwari, located in Ransiki and Oransbari Subdistricts,” he said when contacted from Manokwari on Sunday.
Alchoiri explained that the two kitchens are tasked with providing nutritious meals for children in pre-school and kindergarten, as well as students in elementary, junior high, senior high, and Islamic boarding schools.
He added that the SPPGs have also contributed to the local economy by employing local workers and sourcing food ingredients from the region.
In addition, BGN has partnered with Obet Rumbruren, a member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR), to raise public awareness of the MBG program and its benefits.
“We held an event in Ransiki, South Manokwari, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, to spread information about the nutritional program,” he said.
Related news: Kadin designs special vehicle to support delivery of free meals
Alchoiri emphasized that this initiative reflects a shared commitment between BGN and the DPR to ensure the success of the national program in improving public well-being.
“The MBG program aims to improve nutritional intake, especially for children and pregnant women, in a bid to create a healthy generation free from stunting,” he noted.
Meanwhile, lawmaker Rumbruren reaffirmed his support for the government's efforts to produce a generation of bright and healthy individuals.
He also encouraged residents to take an active role in supporting the SPPGs and sustaining the MBG program for years to come.
Despite the program’s progress in South Manokwari, Rumbruren stressed the need to increase the number of kitchens to further expand its reach and impact.
Related news: MBG program can improve student focus in class: BGN
Mohamad Fadil Alchoiri, coordinating staff for Promotion and Nutritional Education at BGN, said two dedicated kitchens—officially known as nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs)—are currently operating in the district.
“There are two SPPGs in South Manokwari, located in Ransiki and Oransbari Subdistricts,” he said when contacted from Manokwari on Sunday.
Alchoiri explained that the two kitchens are tasked with providing nutritious meals for children in pre-school and kindergarten, as well as students in elementary, junior high, senior high, and Islamic boarding schools.
He added that the SPPGs have also contributed to the local economy by employing local workers and sourcing food ingredients from the region.
In addition, BGN has partnered with Obet Rumbruren, a member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR), to raise public awareness of the MBG program and its benefits.
“We held an event in Ransiki, South Manokwari, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, to spread information about the nutritional program,” he said.
Related news: Kadin designs special vehicle to support delivery of free meals
Alchoiri emphasized that this initiative reflects a shared commitment between BGN and the DPR to ensure the success of the national program in improving public well-being.
“The MBG program aims to improve nutritional intake, especially for children and pregnant women, in a bid to create a healthy generation free from stunting,” he noted.
Meanwhile, lawmaker Rumbruren reaffirmed his support for the government's efforts to produce a generation of bright and healthy individuals.
He also encouraged residents to take an active role in supporting the SPPGs and sustaining the MBG program for years to come.
Despite the program’s progress in South Manokwari, Rumbruren stressed the need to increase the number of kitchens to further expand its reach and impact.
Related news: MBG program can improve student focus in class: BGN
Translator: Ali N, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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6) Gag Island mine: No environmental issues found in initial review
June 8, 2025 14:23 GMT+700
Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua (ANTARA) - The Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry reported that no environmental issues were found at a mining site on Gag Island, Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, following an initial inspection led by Minister Bahlil Lahadalia.
"Based on our observation, there is no sedimentation in the coastal area. Overall, there are no issues with this mining site," ESDM Ministry's Director General of Minerals and Coal Tri Winarno remarked after accompanying the minister during the site review on Saturday (June 7).
In a statement cited in Jakarta, he noted that despite the positive preliminary findings, the ministry had deployed a mining inspection team to conduct a more comprehensive evaluation of mining activities across the Raja Ampat District.
“Generally speaking, reclamation at this location has been carried out properly. However, we will wait for the mining inspectors' evaluation report and factor it in the next stage of our decision-making process,” he added.
Meanwhile, state-owned mining company Antam confirmed that its subsidiary, PT Gag Nikel, which is responsible for mining operations on Gag Island, had adhered to all technical and environmental protocols and regulations.
“Everyone can see that we have carried out legitimate reclamation efforts and implemented mechanisms to control mine drainage,” Business Development Director of Antam, I Dewa Wirantaya, emphasized.
He expressed hope that the presence of PT Gag Nikel on the small island would bring economic benefits to local communities and stakeholders.
According to the ESDM Ministry, five companies are registered as mine operators in Raja Ampat: PT Gag Nikel, PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, PT Mulia Raymond, and PT Nurham.
However, prior to the temporary suspension issued by ESDM Minister Lahadalia on June 5, PT Gag Nikel was the only company actively mining in the district.
The nickel company had been operating since 2018 on a 13,136-hectare site, having obtained its environmental clearance the previous year.
Related news: Indonesia's minister inspects nickel mine In Raja Ampat after protests
Related news: Minister endorses halt to Raja Ampat mining
"Based on our observation, there is no sedimentation in the coastal area. Overall, there are no issues with this mining site," ESDM Ministry's Director General of Minerals and Coal Tri Winarno remarked after accompanying the minister during the site review on Saturday (June 7).
In a statement cited in Jakarta, he noted that despite the positive preliminary findings, the ministry had deployed a mining inspection team to conduct a more comprehensive evaluation of mining activities across the Raja Ampat District.
“Generally speaking, reclamation at this location has been carried out properly. However, we will wait for the mining inspectors' evaluation report and factor it in the next stage of our decision-making process,” he added.
Meanwhile, state-owned mining company Antam confirmed that its subsidiary, PT Gag Nikel, which is responsible for mining operations on Gag Island, had adhered to all technical and environmental protocols and regulations.
“Everyone can see that we have carried out legitimate reclamation efforts and implemented mechanisms to control mine drainage,” Business Development Director of Antam, I Dewa Wirantaya, emphasized.
He expressed hope that the presence of PT Gag Nikel on the small island would bring economic benefits to local communities and stakeholders.
According to the ESDM Ministry, five companies are registered as mine operators in Raja Ampat: PT Gag Nikel, PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, PT Mulia Raymond, and PT Nurham.
However, prior to the temporary suspension issued by ESDM Minister Lahadalia on June 5, PT Gag Nikel was the only company actively mining in the district.
The nickel company had been operating since 2018 on a 13,136-hectare site, having obtained its environmental clearance the previous year.
Related news: Indonesia's minister inspects nickel mine In Raja Ampat after protests
Related news: Minister endorses halt to Raja Ampat mining
Translator: Putu Indah, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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