"Illegal Nickel Mining on Wawonii Island: PT Gema Kreasi Perdana (GKP) Allegedly Violates the Law" 27 January 2025

PT Gema Kreasi Perdana (GKP), a subsidiary of Harita Group owned by tycoon Lim Hariyanto, has once again come under scrutiny. The company is allegedly continuing its nickel mining operations on Wawonii Island, Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra), despite being prohibited by rulings from the Supreme Court (MA) and the Constitutional Court (MK). These activities have the potential to damage the environment and significantly impact the local ecosystem.

According to the Deputy Speaker of the Konawe Kepulauan Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD Konkep) from the Gerindra Party, Sahidin, the company has transported raw nickel using 96 barges since the MA’s ruling was issued. “To date, 96 barges of nickel ore have been shipped since the MA revoked PT GKP’s Forest Area Borrow-to-Use Permit (IPPKH) on October 7, 2024. This is even the 10th barge in January 2025 alone,” Sahidin told JAFA Network on Saturday (January 25, 2025).

Environmental Impact and Weak Law Enforcement

This illegal mining activity has caused significant environmental damage, including deforestation and water pollution. It has become a concern for the local community, which depends on the sustainability of Wawonii Island’s ecosystem. Sahidin expressed frustration over the continuation of the mining operations and criticized law enforcement for seemingly allowing these violations to persist.

“We have reported this issue to the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police (Polda Sultra), the Southeast Sulawesi High Prosecutor’s Office, and even the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). However, to this day, no concrete action has been taken to stop the mining activities on Wawonii Island,” he asserted.

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