JAKARTA, Indonesia — The beautiful and biodiverse marine region of Raja Ampat is facing serious threats due to the expansion of nickel mining in Indonesia, as highlighted in a recent report.
The study, conducted by Auriga Nusantara, a local environmental organization, utilized satellite imagery and field visits to reveal a significant increase in land allocated for mining operations in the islands near West Papua.
Located just south of the equator, this archipelago is famous for housing 75% of the world’s coral species and over 1,600 different fish types, including the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles and vulnerable reef manta rays.
In addition to its rich biodiversity, Raja Ampat has nine marine protected areas covering nearly 2 million hectares (approximately 4.9 million acres) and was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023, recognizing its substantial geological importance.
Nickel and other materials extracted in Indonesia support global industries, including stainless steel and electric vehicle battery production.
However, experts warn that the mining sector’s rapid growth—tripling over the past five years—could exacerbate issues like deforestation, water contamination, and disruption to local ecosystems.
According to the report by Auriga Nusantara, mining activities in Raja Ampat expanded by approximately 494 hectares (roughly 1,220 acres) between 2020 and 2024, a rate three times faster than in the preceding five years.
The total area permitted for nickel mining in Raja Ampat now exceeds 22,420 hectares (about 55,400 acres).
Mining has already left visible scars on the landscape, with cleared areas and open gravel pits marking the locations where operations have begun.
Additionally, sediment from these mines has begun to make its way along the coast, further impacting the marine environment.
“As long as nickel mining continues, sedimentation will harm coral reefs and the surrounding ocean ecosystems,” comments Timer Manurung, director of Auriga Nusantara.
He emphasizes the significance of Raja Ampat’s biodiversity, which makes it a vital destination for international tourism.
Indonesia, home to the largest known nickel reserves alongside rich deposits of cobalt, bauxite, and other materials, has seen a surge in mining activities driven by global demand for products essential to the energy transition.
Despite increasing scrutiny from local and international environmental organizations, the government continues to pursue the expansion of mining practices.
The report indicates that mining has appeared on at least four islands within Raja Ampat, including one that falls under the UNESCO Global Geopark’s protections.
Experts continue to express concern regarding the potentially catastrophic effects of mining on the area’s marine biodiversity.
“Mining runoff creates sedimentation that devastates marine ecosystems downstream, smothering coral reefs and displacing aquatic life,” warns Victor Nikijuluw, a program advisor for the Indonesia-based environmental organization, Konservasi Indonesia.
The natural beauty and rich marine life have made Raja Ampat an increasingly popular destination for tourists, with over 19,800 visitors recorded in 2023—more than tripling the number from the previous year, according to Indonesia’s Central Bureau of Statistics.
However, local communities that rely on the region for fishing and tourism have reported a decline in water quality since the mining activities began. Marine ecologist Edy Setyawan states, “They’ve observed that the water is becoming murkier.”
Last year, the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association voiced its concerns about the negative impacts of mining on the local tourism industry.
Despite a constitutional court ruling in March 2024 stating that small islands should receive special protection from harmful activities like mining, these operations continue to pose risks for local ecosystems.
In response to inquiries regarding the ongoing mining in small island areas, Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources acknowledged the need for more comprehensive environmental evaluations and sustainable practices but has not provided specific commentary on the situation in Raja Ampat.
Furthermore, the UNESCO Global Geopark has yet to respond to inquiries for comment regarding the ongoing mining activities.
Researchers have criticized the government for continuing to grant mining permits in small islands despite the court’s ruling. “The energy transition that includes nickel mining should not sidestep environmental regulations,” asserts Sayyidatiihayaa Afra, a researcher at Indonesia’s nonprofit environmental organization, Satya Bumi.
“Failing to do so threatens both justice and sustainability.”
