Nickel mining on small islands and the conservation mandate: A regulatory review and policy analysis based on the Raja Ampat case study

Wahyudi Zahar; Fadhila Achmadi Rosyid

doi:10.58712/jerel.v4i3.195

Authors

Wahyudi Zahar Earth Resources Exploration Research Group, Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Doctoral Program in Mining Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia
Fadhila Achmadi Rosyid Mining Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58712/jerel.v4i3.195

Keywords:

mineral mining, small islands, conservation, environmental policy

Abstract

Indonesia plays a strategic role in global mineral supply, but the expansion of mining into coastal–small-island areas demand governance that balances down streaming objectives with the conservation mandate. This article presents a regulatory review and policy analysis illustrated by the Raja Ampat case. The policy framework examined includes Government Regulation (PP) No. 25 of 2024, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation (Permen ESDM) No. 15 of 2024, and Ministerial Decree (Kepmen ESDM) No. 177.K/MB.01/MEM.B/2024. The analysis shows that: (i) licensing and enforcement instruments have been strengthened, as reflected in corrective actions against non-compliant permits; (ii) in small-island contexts with high conservation value, the principal risks stem from sedimentation and declining water quality, which affect coral-reef ecosystems and fisheries–tourism livelihoods; and (iii) the effectiveness of regulations is highly determined by consistency of implementation, data traceability, and public participation. Policy recommendations include indicator-based enforcement (quarterly inspections and an RKAB compliance dashboard), a sediment-focused “AMDAL+” environmental impact assessment for coastal–reef settings, synchronizing a “small-island/geopark” filter in WIUP/WIUPK designation, supply-chain transparency, and strengthening local economic alternatives that are compatible with conservation. The findings affirm that a balance between economic growth and ecosystem sustainability can be achieved through a combination of stringent licensing screening, adaptive monitoring, and transparent governance.

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