Indonesia Increases Protection of Raja Ampat Conservative Area

RAJA AMPAT — The Government of the Republic of Indonesia under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto continues to strengthen protection of the Raja Ampat conservative area, Southwest Papua.

One of the concrete steps that has been taken is the revocation of the mining business permits (IUP) of four mining companies that are considered to have the potential to damage environmental sustainability.

This step is a real form of the state’s support for the sustainability of national and global strategic ecosystems.

“On the instructions of the President, he decided that the government will revoke the IUP of 4 companies in Raja Ampat Regency,” said Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi.

He added that the decision was taken as an effort to maintain the Raja Ampat geopark area so that it can remain sustainable and free from various irresponsible exploitation efforts.

Responding to this, Deputy Chairman of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Bambang Haryadi, welcomed President Prabowo Subianto’s decision positively.

He said that the step of revoking the IUP of four mining companies in Raja Ampar was a form of political courage and real support for environmental sustainability.

“This is proof that the President has heard the voice of the people, sides with environmental sustainability, and places the long-term interests of the nation above momentary economic interests,” said Bambang.

According to him, the revocation of permits in conservation areas is not the end, but rather the beginning of the country’s new commitment to ecological recovery.

He also emphasized that Raja Ampat is truly a world ecological asset that must continue to be maintained for its sustainability.

“This step is a strong message that the President wants Indonesia to advance in the natural resources sector while still prioritizing the principle of caution towards environmental sustainability,” he said.

Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, added that the government continues to monitor conditions in Raja Ampat and make adjustments to various policies in a much more adaptive manner.

“We will act adaptively to ensure the sustainability of tourism that is balanced between the economy, ecology, and local culture,” he said.

Widiyanti emphasized that iconic spots such as Manta Point and Cape Kri remain open, and can now become economic mainstays for the entire local community there.

The government is also strengthening synergy with various parties across sectors such as the TNI-Polri, traditional leaders, and local governments in maintaining the conservation area as a world ecotourism heritage.

All of these things are real evidence that the government is continuing to increase various efforts to protect conservative areas in Raja Ampat. (*)