Detik-detik Bahlil Disambut Protes Tambang Nikel Raja Ampat Saat Tiba di Sorong Papua

Summary

On June 7, 2025, demonstrators at Sorong's Deo Airport in Papua Barat protested against Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia's visit. They raised concerns about nickel mining in Raja Ampat, urging Bahlil to address operations beyond G Island. The activists called for a permanent halt to nickel mining, citing environmental damage to tourism and local communities. Previously, Bahlil had announced the temporary suspension of nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat, emphasizing ongoing evaluations and community consultations to assess the impact of mining operations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Demonstrators gathered at Deo Sorong Airport in West Papua on June 7, 2025, to protest against nickel mining operations in the region.
• 😀 Activists raised banners calling for the preservation of Raja Ampat and for an end to nickel mining activities.
• 😀 A confrontation between demonstrators and local officials occurred as protesters attempted to enter the airport.
• 😀 The protesters demanded that Bahlil, the Minister of ESDM, visit other areas affected by nickel mining, not just G Island.
• 😀 Activists called for the permanent halting of nickel mining in the region due to its negative impact on tourism, the environment, and local communities.
• 😀 Minister Bahlil Hadalia had earlier stated that he would visit Raja Ampat to assess the situation of mining operations and the environment.
• 😀 Bahlil mentioned he planned to meet with local communities and stakeholders involved in nickel mining during his visit to West Papua and Southwest Papua.
• 😀 On June 5, 2025, Bahlil announced a temporary halt to nickel mining operations in Raja Ampat due to concerns about environmental damage.
• 😀 The temporary suspension of operations would remain in effect until a verification and evaluation process was completed by the Ministry of ESDM.
• 😀 Currently, only one nickel mining operation is active in Raja Ampat, run by PT Gat Nikel, a subsidiary of PT Antam PBK.

Q & A

What is the context of the protest at the Sorong airport?

The protest occurred as demonstrators tried to enter Sorong Airport in Papua Barat to welcome Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia. Activists were protesting against the nickel mining operations in the region, demanding that mining be permanently halted due to its negative impact on tourism, the environment, and local communities.

What were the demonstrators asking from Minister Bahlil Lahadalia?

The demonstrators were requesting that Bahlil Lahadalia visit not only G Island but also other islands involved in nickel mining operations. They wanted him to stop nickel mining activities altogether in the region.

Why did the activists want nickel mining to stop?

Activists were concerned that nickel mining was damaging the local environment, particularly the ecosystem of Raja Ampat, and was negatively affecting tourism and the lives of local communities.

What was the response of Minister Bahlil Lahadalia regarding the protest?

Minister Bahlil Lahadalia responded by stating that he would visit Raja Ampat to see the natural conditions and mining sites for himself. He also mentioned his intention to meet with local people and other stakeholders involved in nickel mining operations.

What actions had the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources taken regarding nickel mining operations in Raja Ampat before the protest?

Before the protest, the Ministry had temporarily halted nickel mining operations in Raja Ampat on June 5, 2025, due to concerns over potential environmental damage. This pause in operations was to allow the Ministry's team to conduct a verification and evaluation process.

What did Minister Bahlil Lahadalia reveal about the mining permits in Raja Ampat?

Minister Bahlil Lahadalia disclosed that several nickel mining permits had been issued in Raja Ampat, but currently only one mining operation, a contract held by PT Gat Nikel (a subsidiary of PT Antam), was active.

What steps will the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources take regarding the nickel mining operations?

The Ministry will continue its verification and evaluation process regarding the nickel mining operations in Raja Ampat. The temporary halt in operations will remain until this process is complete.

What concerns were raised by local communities and activists about nickel mining in Raja Ampat?

Local communities and activists raised concerns that nickel mining was threatening the region's unique ecosystem and damaging the tourism sector, which is a key source of income for local communities.

What specific area of Raja Ampat did the demonstrators focus on in their protest?

The demonstrators focused on the impact of nickel mining in Raja Ampat, particularly regarding its effects on the environment and local tourism. They highlighted the need for further attention beyond G Island to other areas affected by mining.

What did Minister Bahlil Lahadalia intend to do during his planned visit to Papua Barat and Papua Barat Daya?

During his visit to Papua Barat and Papua Barat Daya, Minister Bahlil Lahadalia intended to meet with local people and engage with stakeholders involved in the nickel mining industry to discuss the situation and its implications for the region.