Indonesia Island Mining Damage: Viral Images Return

by mark.thompson business editor
written by mark.thompson business editor

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Mining’s Impact on Indonesian Islands Raises Environmental Concerns

Jakarta – Images circulating on social media have reignited concerns about the environmental impact of mining on Indonesia’s small islands.Propos Island, in the Riau Islands province, now appears largely barren, a stark visual testament to past bauxite excavation.

Island stripped Bare: Mining’s Toll on Indonesia’s Ecosystems

Satellite photos reveal extensive damage to Propos and nearby Kas Islands, raising questions about regulatory oversight and post-mining reclamation.

  • Satellite imagery shows Propos Island is now mostly devoid of vegetation.
  • bauxite mining permits were issued for Propos Island as early as 2010.
  • Obligation for post-mining reclamation has shifted from local to national government.
  • Experts say mining on small islands violates Indonesian regulations.

Google Earth satellite imagery paints a grim picture of Propos Island, located in Ngal Village, Ungar District, Karimun Regency.What was once a possibly lush landscape is now dominated by exposed earth and water-filled pits-the remnants of bauxite mining operations. onyl a few trees cling to the island’s edges.

What’s the big deal with small island mining? Indonesian regulations explicitly prohibit mining activities on small islands, yet these operations continue, often without required environmental safeguards or reclamation efforts.

The riau Islands Energy and Mineral Resources Agency (ESDM) confirmed that Propos Island was previously used for bauxite mining. According to Reza Muzzamil Jufri, a policy analyst at the provincial ESDM office, the initial mining permit was granted by the Karimun regency government in 2010.

“The permit for Propos Island had already expired when mining authority was transferred to the provincial government in 2016,” Reza said.

Further shifts in authority followed. Law No. 3 of 2020 transferred oversight of mineral and coal mining entirely to Indonesia’s central government, effective December 11, 2020. Presidential Regulation No. 55 of 2022 then stipulated that regional governments would only oversee non-metallic minerals and certain types of rock mining.

Two Firms Held Mining Rights

Two companies, PT Bukit Merah Indah and PT Aneka Alam Anugerah, held bauxite mining concessions on Propos Island. PT Bukit Merah Indah received a Mining Business License (IUP) from the Karimun regent on August 4, 2010, covering 88 hectares and valid for five years. PT Aneka Alam anugerah was granted an Operation Production Mining License (IUP OP) on August 12,

Mark Thompson – Business Editor

Financial analyst-turned-journalist. Covers global markets, fintech, and policy. Known for plain-English explainers on complex economics.

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