Indonesia Revokes Nickel Permits After Environmental and Social Backlash

On June 10, 2025, Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources revoked four nickel exploration permits in the ecologically sensitive region of Raja Ampat, Papua Province. The decision followed weeks of protests by environmentalists and local communities who condemned illegal deforestation, marine damage, and the lack of prior consultation. The revoked permits, while not yet in production, represented a growing concern over the government’s push for nickel extraction in areas recognized for their global biodiversity value.