As nickel mining plans creep closer to the pristine islands of Raja Ampat, public concern has reached a tipping point. The viral #SaveRajaAmpat campaign has ignited national attention, urging authorities to protect one of Indonesia’s most treasured marine regions.
In response of #SaveRajaAmpat campaign, the Ministry of Tourism has launched a series of strategic actions aimed at preserving the ecological and cultural integrity of the archipelago. Tourism Minister Widiyanti stressed that sustainability must be central to any development, especially in tourism.
“We want any kind of development, including tourism, to maintain a balance between ecology, social territory, and economic scale,” said Widiyanti in a press release on Friday (June 6, 2026).
Raja Ampat, globally known for its rich marine biodiversity, supports a wide range of environmental services. It is not only a paradise for travelers but also a vital source of food and income for local communities through tourism and fishing.
However, its future is under threat. Greenpeace Indonesia has reported active nickel mining on several islands—namely Gag, Kawe, and Manuran. The environmental toll is already visible.
“More than 500 hectares of forests and natural vegetation on the three islands have been cleared,” revealed Greenpeace forest campaigner Iqbal Damanik.
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He also warned of sediment runoff from the mining operations, which has started affecting coastal waters. The resulting sedimentation endangers coral reefs and marine habitats, putting Raja Ampat’s ecological balance—and its global reputation—at serious risk.
To address these concerns, the government has taken three major steps:
1. Listening to Local Voices on the Ground
From May 28 to June 1, 2025, Tourism Ministry officials, together with members of the DPR-RI, visited Raja Ampat. Their goal was clear: hear directly from Indigenous communities and local residents.
During the dialogue, residents firmly rejected any new mining permits. They stressed that Raja Ampat must be preserved as a tourism haven—not sacrificed for extractive industries.
As a result, DPR’s Commission VII pledged to bring the community’s environmental concerns to the national legislature. They also called on the central government to evaluate existing mining licenses in order to protect the region’s ecological future.
2. Strengthening Regional Commitments
On June 4, 2025, Minister Widiyanti met with Southwest Papua Governor Elisa Kambu. Both reaffirmed their shared vision: Raja Ampat must remain a marine conservation zone and a UNESCO geopark.
The governor emphasized that the area should continue to serve as a flagship destination for sustainable tourism—one that generates long-term value without sacrificing nature.
3. Aligning Strategies Across Ministries
A cross-sectoral coordination meeting was held the following day, June 5, 2025. The focus was to align national and regional strategies for Raja Ampat’s long-term protection.
One of the key initiatives now under review is shifting Raja Ampat toward “quality tourism.” The Ministry is pushing for investments that favor sustainability and empower local communities, steering the region away from industrial exploitation.
The battle to save this beauty through #SaveRajaAmpat campaign is far from over, but the government’s swift response and the public’s growing awareness signal that this paradise may still have a fighting chance.
