Journal of Engineering Researcher and Lecturer
Vol. 4 No. 3 (2025): Regular Issue

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

Zahar, Wahyudi (Unknown)
Rosyid, Fadhila Achmadi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Nov 2025

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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Journal Info

Abbrev

jerel

Publisher

Subject

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Education Engineering Mechanical Engineering

Description

The Journal of Engineering Researcher and Lecturer is dedicated as a forum for researchers and lecturers around the world to report the research results. All papers are peer-reviewed by at least two referees. The scope includes technological and learning innovation in engineering (miscellaneous). ...