The campaign to Save Raja Ampat is gaining momentum as this biodiversity hotspot in Indonesia faces growing environmental threats. Located in West Papua, Raja Ampat is one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world. It sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle and is home to about 75% of the world’s coral species and over 2,500 species of reef fish. The region also supports 47 species of mammals and 274 bird species. But this unique environment is now facing serious risks due to nickel mining.
UPDATE: A Step Forward: On June 10th, the Indonesian government suspended the current mining permits – read our post here
Mining in Raja Ampat
In 2025, Greenpeace Indonesia reported that nickel mining had started on several islands in Raja Ampat, including Gag, Kawe, and Manuran. According to Indonesian law, small islands like these should be protected from mining activities. However, satellite and on-the-ground investigations by Greenpeace confirmed that more than 500 hectares of forest had already been cleared.
Sediment from these operations has been flowing into the ocean, turning clear waters brown and damaging coral reefs. Residents have reported that the rivers and seas are no longer as clear, and many coral sites have lost their former beauty. Greenpeace also raised concerns that mining could expand to Batang Pele and Manyaifun islands, located near popular tourist areas like Piaynemo.
Why This Matters
The impact of this mining is serious. Coral reefs are dying, marine biodiversity is at risk, and the livelihoods of local communities who rely on fishing and tourism are under threat. The mining also disrupts the lives of Indigenous Papuan communities and can lead to social conflict.
The rush to mine nickel – a metal used in electric vehicle batteries and steel – is raising concerns about the environmental cost of so-called « green » technologies. The very industry that is meant to reduce carbon emissions may end up destroying key natural ecosystems if not properly regulated.
Public Response: #SaveRajaAmpat
The hashtag #SaveRajaAmpat began trending across Indonesia in early June 2025 after Greenpeace published footage and satellite data showing the damage. One Instagram video received over 13 million views in a matter of days. Thousands of people have shared the campaign, signed petitions, and voiced concerns.
On June 3, Greenpeace activists and four Papuan youth protested at a major mining conference in Jakarta. Their banners read messages like « Nickel Mines Destroy Lives » and « Save Raja Ampat from Nickel Mining. » The protest temporarily disrupted the event and brought nationwide attention to the issue.
What the Government Is Doing
In response to public pressure, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources suspended operations at the mine on Gag Island, which is run by PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of PT Antam. Government officials acknowledged that five mining licenses had been issued in Raja Ampat, although only one site was currently active.
Indonesia’s Environment Minister has called Raja Ampat a « last paradise » that must be protected and has promised legal action if laws have been broken. The ministry has also launched a review of existing mining permits.
What Needs to Happen
Greenpeace Indonesia is calling for the government to:
- Revoke all nickel mining permits in Raja Ampat
- Review Indonesia’s overall nickel industrial policy
- Stop sacrificing communities and ecosystems for industrial growth
How You Can Help
- Sign the petition to stop mining in Raja Ampat: https://www.greenpeace.org/indonesia/aksi/save-raja-ampat/
- Share verified information using #SaveRajaAmpat
- Support organizations and communities working on environmental protection in West Papua
Ocean Earth Travels supports responsible tourism and conservation in Raja Ampat. You can see some of the region’s stunning images on our Raja Ampat destination page.
Let’s keep the pressure on. Once these ecosystems are damaged, they may never fully recover. Protecting Raja Ampat is not just about saving a travel destination. It’s about protecting one of the world’s most important natural reserves before it’s too late.
