Indonesia revokes mining licenses over environment concerns

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Indonesia on Tuesday revoked the mining licenses of four companies over concerns regarding environmental sensitivity, the daily Jakarta Globe reported.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the decision was reached in a private meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto on Monday, in response to increasing public worries about nickel mining activities within the marine conservation zone in southwest Papua.

This decision follows ongoing demands from environmental activists and social media groups opposing industrial operations in one of the planet’s most biologically diverse ecosystems.

“We thank all elements of society, particularly those on social media, who have shared valuable information and expressed concern for the preservation of Raja Ampat’s natural environment,” Prasetyo told a press conference in Jakarta.

He said that since January, the government has implemented a regulation to control land use in forested areas, including industries that rely on natural resources like mining.

This regulation serves as the legal basis for reassessing permits that may conflict with sustainability and environmental protection standards.

“The revocation of these mining permits in Raja Ampat is part of a broader, ongoing effort to ensure responsible use of forest areas,” he added.

The Energy Ministry also emphasized its continued dedication to rigorous monitoring of all mining operations in the area, focusing on legal adherence, environmental protection, and safeguarding conservation zones and protected forests.