Power in Raja Ampat Related to Nickel Mining is a Real Manifestation of Materialistic Fanaticism
Author: Jacob Ereste
Freelance Journalist
Data collected by the Atlantica Nusantara Institute recorded that Indonesia’s nickel export value has experienced a significant spike since the downstreaming policy was implemented during President Joko Widodo’s rule in 2020. In 2023, the export value of nickel derivative products was also recorded at around IDR 520 trillion. Soaring sharply since 2015 which was only worth IDR 45 trillion. In 2024, the export value of nickel derivative products is estimated to reach around US$ 40 billion, or equivalent to IDR 637.63 trillion assuming an exchange rate of IDR 15,940 per US dollar.
In 2022, Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) from the nickel metal sector reached IDR 10.8 trillion, an increase from IDR. 3.42 trillion in 2022. Even so, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia criticized the profit sharing funds (DBH) from nickel downstreaming which were not yet fair to local governments. So he proposed that state revenues from nickel exports be divided more for regions with details of 45 percent for regions producing the mining.
He gave an example, in South Sulawesi, nickel exports in the first quarter of 2024 reached around IDR 7.47 trillion with nickel contributing 82.8 percent of the province’s total exports.
It seems that the very large and tempting value of this nickel mining income, Raha Ampat which is located in Southwest Papua is being targeted, even though it has to destroy the natural beauty of its land and sea which is truly stunning with its biodiversity and exotic island clusters. Even the cultural values and friendliness of the local community have extraordinary appeal and sympathy. However, the very tempting value of the profit is able to overthrow all the exotic beauty of Raja Ampat and store many other natural glories, compared to nickel which is only enough to be dredged and then sold until it can be around that into money.
It is also noted that the important role of President Joko Widodo’s government in determining policies in the mining sector in Indonesia, including the Raja Ampat region which specifically plays a role in the national policy framework in managing natural resources and investment, as indicated by the development of the mineral and nickel industry. Encouragement of the development of the mineral downstream industry, including nickel with the assumption of increasing added value and reducing exports of raw materials. This policy has an impact on various regions that have mineral potential such as in Raja Ampat which will lose and become extinct the exotic value and natural content as well as the fauna and flora in it due to the exploitation of the contents of the earth and has a high dollar value.
In environmental management, the government itself has indeed emphasized the importance of balance between economic development and environmental preservation. However, the threat of environmental damage in Raja Ampat has become increasingly disturbing, to the point that local residents have expressed their objections and strongly rejected it being used as a mining project. Because Raja Ampat has become a very important marine conservation area, all parties should protect and reject the exploitation of nature and the environment in Raja Ampat.
Controversy and criticism and protests from various parties – including Greenpeace – related to exploitation in Raja Ampat, because it will damage a very sensitive ecosystem that could become extinct. Therefore, since the administration of President Joko Widodo, there has been strong pressure and protests at that time to ensure that mining activities in Raja Ampat do not threaten the preservation of nature and the life order of local indigenous people. So in general, President Joko Widodo at that time played a very important role in smoothing and directing national policies in determining the final decision on the continuation of nickel mining permits in Raja Ampat.
As it is, the mining business permit (IUP) for nickel in Raja Ampat Regency has been issued by the local government, something with the authority given by the central government
Although a number of these permits have been rejected by the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Balthasar Kambuaya in 2011, in practice nickel mining in Raja Ampat continues to this day. In fact, at that time the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Balthasar Kambuaya had set a dead-set stake, as long as he was still trusted and in office, mining permits in Raja Ampat would never be given. So it is clear that the core of the fight in the mining case in Raja Ampat is in the form of material values that want to displace spiritual values, not objects. That is the real manifestation of materialistic fanaticism that always prioritizes material over spiritual.
Banten, June 9, 2025
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