Raja Ampat is celebrated as one of the world’s marine biodiversity epicentres, with researchers, scientists, and divers traveling from all over the world to study and enjoy it. Recently, it wasn’t the incredible seascapes in the news, but island landscapes being destroyed by the expansion of nickel mines threatening this ecological treasure. The good news is that thanks to international news, and a huge social media campaign, there seems to be positive moves to stop the damage going any further.

Why Nickel?

Indonesia is the world’s largest nickel supplier, with upwards of 40% of the world’s supply coming from the archipelago. As the global demand for nickel for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies grows, Indonesian mining companies push to meet the demand. This is great news for the Indonesian economy, but ironically, terrible news for the environment.

Raja Ampat is rich in Nickel and is an easy target for mining companies due to its remote location and lack of monitoring. Despite 97% of Raja Ampat being protected, central government permits can override local authorities.

A Breaking Point

In May 2025, a breaking point came when Greenpeace Indonesia published an investigation on the effects of nickel mining on three islands in Raja Ampat. They reported that of the 16 nickel mining licences in Raja Ampat, 12 are located within the boundaries of the UNESCO-listed Raja Ampat Global Geopark. 4 of the others are on ‘small islands’ as designated by the Indonesian Government, which should mean that no mining can take place.

What followed the investigation was a massive social media campaign using the hashtag #SaveRajaAmpat. Influencers, politicians, environmental activists, celebrities, and thousands of citizens of Indonesia picked up on the hashtag posting pictures of the incredible landscapes as well images of the destruction the mining had already wreaked on some of the islands.

Thanks to the ease of spreading information through social media, nationwide protests took place between June 8–27, 2025, uniting indigenous groups, NGOs, and environmentalists.

Licenses Revoked

The pressure from the protests and social media campaign led to Indonesian government investigations into 4 companies for permit violations and environmental damage. Ultimately the companies had their mining licenses revoked by President Prabowo Subianto. This was a major victory for environmentalists and protestors.

PT Gag Nikel, a government owned nickel mining company, has been permitted to continue under close monitoring, as its site lies on Gag Island, outside the Geopark. The tighter enforcement of companies like this and the promised restoration efforts are a move in the right direction for the Indonesian government, but are sure to take continued pressure from environmental groups to maintain.

If you have been to Raja Ampat, or it is on your bucketlist, you will know that there is nowhere like it in the world. It is an environmental gem; one of the last true paradises. There is no reason other than greed that there should be any kind of mining on these islands. It will be a test case of whether development can truly align with environmental stewardship, or if shortcuts to riches will be the downfall of one of Earth’s greatest environmental treasures.

Have you heard about the mining in Raja Ampat or is this new information for you? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject in the comments box below.