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Despite public outcry and promises of change, the Indonesian government hasn’t fully halted nickel mining in the ecologically sensitive Raja Ampat archipelago, leaving a UNESCO-recognized paradise vulnerable to lasting damage. The situation raises questions about the effectiveness of environmental governance and the influence of economic interests.
A Promise Unfulfilled: Nickel Mining Continues to Threaten Raja Ampat
Indonesia revoked some mining licenses in Raja Ampat following protests, but a key state-run operation remains active, and environmental restoration plans are absent.
- In June 2025,the indonesian government revoked four nickel mining licenses in Raja Ampat following widespread public criticism.
- The state-run mining company, PT Gag Nikel, continues to operate in the area despite calls for its closure.
- No official revocation letters have been issued, and ther’s no evidence of environmental restoration efforts.
- Concerns remain about the impact on Indigenous communities and the long-term health of the Raja Ampat ecosystem.
What exactly is happening with nickel mining in Raja ampat, and why is it causing such concern? The archipelago, a globally critically important biodiversity hotspot, is facing environmental degradation due to nickel mining operations, despite government assurances to the contrary.
On June 10, 2025, the government announced the revocation of licenses held by PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Nurham, responding to the #SaveRajaAmpat campaign. Though, PT Gag Nikel, the largest operator and a state-owned enterprise, was not included in the ban.
Adding to the uncertainty, the Energy Ministry claimed revocation letters were issued, but these have not been made public. Greenpeace Indonesia has requested this data without success. Furthermore, a December 2025 aerial survey conducted by Greenpeace revealed no evidence of any environmental restoration work on the mined islands.
Social Fabric Under Strain
The impact of nickel mining extends beyond environmental concerns. The presence of extractive industries has fractured communities in Raja Ampat, creating divisions and resentment. Some community members have benefited financially, while others have been excluded, damaging the social cohesion of the region. This dynamic casts doubt on whether mining companies have genuinely obtained
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