JATAM exposes widespread mining on small islands in Riau Islands Province, alarming locals and activists.
Indonesia’s outermost islands, once symbols of maritime heritage, now face an existential threat: industrial mining. The Riau Islands (Kepri), known for pristine coastlines and strategic location, are being carved up by extractive industries—jeopardizing local livelihoods and ecosystems alike.
Mining Spree Across Kepri’s Fragile Islands
A detailed investigation by the Mining Advocacy Network (JATAM) has uncovered 195 mining permits (IUP) scattered across Indonesia’s small islands—30 of which are in Kepri Province alone. These permits collectively span tens of thousands of hectares, disproportionately affecting vulnerable islands such as Pulau Bintan, Pulau Karimun Besar, and Pulau Subi Besar.
In Pulau Subi Besar alone, over 7,900 hectares have been allocated to ten mining companies for quartz sand extraction. Pulau Karimun Besar hosts nine granite and tin mining permits, with PT Timah TBK holding the largest claim—2,740 hectares, extending into marine territory.
Islands Not Built For Mining
“Small islands are never meant for extractive operations,” warned Alfarhat Kasman, JATAM’s campaigner. Mining leads to massive deforestation, worsens flooding, pollutes coral reefs, and disrupts traditional fishing areas. Rising sea levels further compound the damage, potentially submerging entire islands. These concerns are not hypothetical—Pulau Gag in Raja Ampat already shows sedimentation over coral reefs from mining runoff.
JATAM’s map titled Nestapa Pulau Kecil (The Misery of Small Islands) lists Kepri’s affected islands:
- Pulau Bintan: 748.9 ha under 7 permits
- Pulau Karimun Besar: 9 permits, 2,740 ha
- Pulau Bela: Bauxite and fill material, 180 ha
- Pulau Telan, Pulau Selayar, Pulau Sebangka: All facing mining pressures
Violating Environmental and Legal Norms
Despite Law No. 1 of 2014 prohibiting extractive industries on islands under 2,000 km², mining permits continue to be issued. Many are sanctioned by national ministries, including exploration rights granted as recently as 2021. For example, PT Nusantara Sukses Bangun Persada received 222 ha on Pulau Bakung for silica mining until 2028.
Critics say weak oversight and political pressure enable these projects. Activist Junaidi from Lingga warned, “This is not just about the environment—it’s about the survival of our people. These islands are our home, not quarries.”
Ecosystems and Livelihoods Disrupted
Most mining sites overlap with coral reefs, fishing zones, or community settlements. In Pulau Combol, three companies share 534 hectares of granite mining space—within close range of coastal villages. Pulau Citlim, a mere 2,263 hectares in size, is now partially occupied by two sand mining operators.
The result? Coastal erosion, declining fish stocks, and deteriorating water quality. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry recently confirmed coral reef sedimentation near mining zones in Raja Ampat—an early warning for Kepri’s future.
Activists Demand Permit Revocations
JATAM has called for an immediate halt to all mining on small islands and a full environmental audit of existing projects. They urge central and regional governments to revoke permits that violate spatial and environmental laws, emphasizing sustainable maritime development.
“This is a test of political will,” says JATAM. “Protecting small islands is about defending Indonesia’s sovereignty, food security, and climate resilience.”
The mining boom in Riau Islands is not only a local crisis—it reflects broader national challenges in balancing development, environment, and indigenous rights. As Kepri’s coastlines erode under corporate pressure, the question remains: will Indonesia safeguard its island heritage, or sacrifice it for short-term profit? For neighboring Singapore, the environmental ripple effects may be closer than they appear.
Sources: Tempo (2025) , Batam News Online (2025)
Keywords: Pulau Bintan, Riau Islands, Mining Threat, JATAM Report, Coastal Damage, Environmental Permits
