Indonesia reviews nickel mining in 'world's last paradise' after outcry
JAKARTA: Indonesia will review nickel mining in a region known as the "world's last paradise" and could take legal action, the environment minister said, after Greenpeace videos sparked public outcry about potential damage.
The eastern archipelago of Raja Ampat in Southwest Papua Province sits in the Coral Triangle and is thought to be one of the world's most pristine reef areas, with its clear blue waters making it a popular diving spot.
Greenpeace Indonesia ignited social media uproar this week with several videos highlighting nickel mining projects in the area, with one amassing 13 million views on Instagram.
Indonesia has the world's biggest nickel reserves and is the biggest producer of the metal used in electric vehicle batteries and stainless steel.
However, environmentalists say its rush to capitalise on supply and boost processing is causing irreparable damage to land around mines and smelters.
The outcry over potential damage to the area drew a reaction from the government, with the energy ministry suspending operations at a nickel mine on one of Raja Ampat's islands pending an inspection.
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said he would visit the area and vowed to punish mining firms there.
"We will immediately take legal action related to activities in Raja Ampat, after going through our studies," Hanif said on Thursday, according to Indonesian media.
Nickel exploitation on the islands of Gag, Kawe and Manuran has led to the destruction of more than 500ha of forest and vegetation, according to a Greenpeace Indonesia analysis.
They are categorised as small islands that under Indonesian law should be off-limits to mining, the environmentalist group said.
The government's response has raised hopes that spreading awareness was helping to protect Raja Ampat, Greenpeace Indonesia forest campaign team leader Arie Rompas told AFP on Friday.
"We are happy because there are some actions that the government could take. We are pushing the right button with this campaign," he said.
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New Straits Times
18 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Indonesia reviews nickel mining in 'world's last paradise' after outcry
JAKARTA: Indonesia will review nickel mining in a region known as the "world's last paradise" and could take legal action, the environment minister said, after Greenpeace videos sparked public outcry about potential damage. The eastern archipelago of Raja Ampat in Southwest Papua Province sits in the Coral Triangle and is thought to be one of the world's most pristine reef areas, with its clear blue waters making it a popular diving spot. Greenpeace Indonesia ignited social media uproar this week with several videos highlighting nickel mining projects in the area, with one amassing 13 million views on Instagram. Indonesia has the world's biggest nickel reserves and is the biggest producer of the metal used in electric vehicle batteries and stainless steel. However, environmentalists say its rush to capitalise on supply and boost processing is causing irreparable damage to land around mines and smelters. The outcry over potential damage to the area drew a reaction from the government, with the energy ministry suspending operations at a nickel mine on one of Raja Ampat's islands pending an inspection. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said he would visit the area and vowed to punish mining firms there. "We will immediately take legal action related to activities in Raja Ampat, after going through our studies," Hanif said on Thursday, according to Indonesian media. Nickel exploitation on the islands of Gag, Kawe and Manuran has led to the destruction of more than 500ha of forest and vegetation, according to a Greenpeace Indonesia analysis. They are categorised as small islands that under Indonesian law should be off-limits to mining, the environmentalist group said. The government's response has raised hopes that spreading awareness was helping to protect Raja Ampat, Greenpeace Indonesia forest campaign team leader Arie Rompas told AFP on Friday. "We are happy because there are some actions that the government could take. We are pushing the right button with this campaign," he said.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Airport frontliners recognised for acts of courage and compassion
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Even at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (owned by Malaysia Airports), kindness crossed borders. Staff member Barış Burak Demirayak went out of his way to replace a child's lost toy. When the original couldn't be found, he sourced an identical one online, had it delivered, and included a handwritten note. The grateful mother later shared a photo of her daughter smiling again, a small but touching reminder of the impact thoughtful service can have. HONOURING THE HEART OF THE AIRPORT Malaysia Airports managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani paid tribute to the frontliners, calling them the "face, rhythm, and energy" of the airports. "From check-in counters to custodial teams and security checkpoints, frontliners are the first and lasting impression of our airports. "Today's winners remind us that leadership happens at every level, and that the human touch transforms ordinary service into extraordinary moments." He added that delivering a seamless, world-class passenger journey requires every part of the airport community, from ground handlers and security to retail partners and government agencies, to work in unison. "As we look to the future, these stories of courage, empathy, and dedication remind us that no single team stands alone. "Every act of service, big or small, shapes the airport experience, and when we unite as one, we create moments that passengers remember long after they leave our terminals. Sometimes, that teamwork even saves a life."
Daily Express
a day ago
- Daily Express
Hundreds evacuated as Guatemalan volcano erupts
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025 By: AFP Text Size: Residents were moved to shelters from communities near the Fuego volcano, located 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the capital Guatemala City. - AFP pic ESCUINTLA: Guatemalan authorities said Thursday they were evacuating more than 500 people after Central America's most active volcano spewed gas and ash. Residents were moved to shelters from communities near the Fuego volcano, located 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the capital Guatemala City. Advertisement 'We prefer to leave rather than mourn the death of everyone in the village later,' Celsa Perez, 25, told AFP. The government suspended local school activities and closed a road linking the south of the country to the colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, disaster coordination agency Conred reported. There have been several such mass evacuations in recent years because Fuego erupted, including in March of this year. In 2018, 215 people were killed and a similar number left missing when rivers of lava poured down the volcano's slopes, devastating a village. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
