Kutukan Sumber Daya Alam | Opini Tempo

Summary

This editorial highlights the constitutional violations surrounding the granting of mining permits in Raja Ampat, Papua, specifically for nickel extraction. While President Prabowo Subianto's actions may appear heroic, they open the door for further legal breaches. The piece discusses the environmental destruction caused by nickel mining, the corruption tied to mining concessions, and the failure of government oversight. It critiques how Indonesia's natural resources are exploited for elite political and corporate interests, leading to widespread ecological damage and reinforcing the nation's ongoing 'resource curse.' The editorial sheds light on the need for stronger enforcement and better resource management.

Takeaways

• 😀 The King's permit for nickel mining violates the constitution.
• 😀 The government is accused of making concessions for party elites and conglomerates supporting the rulers.
• 😀 Indonesian officials often hide behind smoke screens to cover up illegal activities, even when the public is aware of the violations.
• 😀 President Prabowo Subianto's decision to revoke mining permits in Raja 4, Southwest Papua, opens up the possibility of bigger legal violations.
• 😀 Nickel mining in the Raja 4 islands has been ongoing since 2023, with permits granted to 16 companies, despite environmental concerns.
• 😀 Greenpace Indonesia activists exposed destructive nickel mining operations during the Critical Minerals Conference and Expo in Jakarta in June 2025.
• 😀 Nickel mining in Papua is linked to forest and sea destruction, as well as social conflict and corruption through bribery for permits.
• 😀 The issuance of mining concessions in small islands violates Law Number 27 of 2007 and the Small Island Management Law, which prohibits such activities.
• 😀 President Prabowo's decision to allow mining on Gag Island is a violation of the Small Island Management Law, as it is part of a small island area.
• 😀 Weak supervision and law enforcement by the government allow these mining violations to continue, even when activists protest or nature is destroyed.
• 😀 The exploitation of Indonesia's natural resources under the guise of economic revival mainly benefits political elites and cronies, exacerbating the country's resource curse.

Q & A

What does the script imply about the legal implications of President Prabowo Subianto's decision regarding nickel mining in Raja Ampat?

The script suggests that President Prabowo Subianto's decision to revoke mining permits for certain nickel companies may initially seem heroic, but it actually opens the door for potential legal violations, particularly related to the mining concessions issued on small islands in violation of Indonesian law.

How does the script describe the role of Greenpeace Indonesia activists in exposing mining violations?

Greenpeace Indonesia activists are credited with revealing the destructive effects of mining by exposing illegal mining operations at the Critical Minerals Conference and Expo. They highlighted the environmental damage caused by nickel mining, particularly in Papua, which led to greater public awareness.

What is the legal issue with issuing mining permits on small islands in Papua, according to the script?

The script explains that issuing mining permits for small islands like those in Raja Ampat violates Law Number 27 of 2007 (updated in 2014), which explicitly prohibits mineral mining on islands smaller than 2,000 km² due to the environmental damage it causes.

What contradiction is highlighted in the government's actions regarding mining permits?

The script highlights a contradiction where, despite the government's claims to protect the environment, officials like Bahlil Lahadalia revived certain mining permits and issued new ones after revoking hundreds of others. This creates inconsistency in the enforcement of mining laws.

How does the script suggest that Indonesia's natural resources are being mismanaged?

The script argues that the government is mismanaging natural resources by prioritizing the economic revival through downstreaming, which it suggests is actually a cover for enabling the exploitation of resources by political elites and business cronies for their own benefit.

What impact does nickel mining have on the environment, as detailed in the script?

Nickel mining, especially in Papua, is shown to cause significant environmental damage, including deforestation, sea destruction, and social conflicts due to corrupt practices and unregulated operations. The script emphasizes that these operations destroy ecosystems and disrupt local communities.

What does the script say about the government's response to environmental concerns and activism?

The script critiques the government's weak response to environmental concerns, pointing out that officials do not act until protests from activists like Greenpeace or visible environmental damage occurs. This lack of proactive action is seen as a failure in law enforcement.

What is the 'natural resource curse' mentioned in the script?

The 'natural resource curse' refers to the paradox where countries with abundant natural resources, like Indonesia, remain poor because these resources are exploited for the benefit of the elite, causing environmental damage and economic inequality.

What does the script suggest about the involvement of political elites in the mining industry?

The script implies that political elites and their supporters are heavily involved in the nickel mining industry in Raja Ampat, with the mining concessions being used to benefit these elites rather than the broader population, perpetuating corruption and inequality.

How does the script criticize the economic strategy of 'downstreaming' in Indonesia?

The script criticizes 'downstreaming' as a pretext for exploiting Indonesia's natural resources. Rather than creating genuine economic benefits, it is portrayed as a way to funnel valuable resources to elites under the guise of economic development.