Lawmaker Pushes for Raja Ampat to Lead Indonesia’s Green Economy Drive
Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com — Reported by Antara, Chairman of the House of Representatives’ (DPR RI) Commission XI, Mukhamad Misbakhun, has expressed strong support for the government’s decision to halt nickel mining operations in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. He believes the region should stand as a national symbol of Indonesia’s green economy.
Calling the move a “bold and future-oriented” step, Misbakhun emphasized the importance of preserving Raja Ampat as a world-class ecotourism destination rather than allowing short-term profits from mining to damage its long-term potential.
“Raja Ampat is an area with exceptional ecological and economic value. This decision opens the door to healthier, more sustainable, and inclusive economic development for the region,” he said in a statement on Thursday (June 12).
Misbakhun highlighted the growing role of nature-based tourism in supporting the local economy. In 2024, the district welcomed around 30,000 tourists—70 percent of them from overseas—nearly double the 19,839 visitors recorded in the previous year.
Tourism activities contributed an estimated Rp150 billion annually to the regency’s local revenue, not including the indirect impact on other sectors such as hospitality, transportation, culinary businesses, handicrafts, and local tour services.
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“A green economy rooted in ecotourism, as we see in Raja Ampat, is a vital instrument for sustainable development. It’s not just about protecting the environment—it’s about building an inclusive, high-quality economy that empowers local communities,” he explained.
Misbakhun also noted that this policy aligns with Indonesia’s broader national development goals, including the transition to renewable energy and a greener economy.
“Raja Ampat is already renowned as an underwater paradise. We cannot sacrifice its long-term value for short-term gains from extractive industries,” he stressed.
As Chair of Commission XI, which oversees finance and development planning, Misbakhun reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for fiscal policies and incentives that promote ecotourism, especially in eastern Indonesia and Southwest Papua.
“I truly believe Raja Ampat can become an icon of Indonesia’s success in building a sustainable and inclusive green economy,” he concluded.
Earlier, the government announced the revocation of mining permits (IUPs) for four companies operating on small islands in the Raja Ampat district: PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining.
According to Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, the decision was made after authorities found that part of the companies’ concessions overlapped with the protected Raja Ampat Geopark area. Of the four companies, three had already started mining activities, while PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa was still in the exploration phase. (BL)