PT IWIP Faces Environmental Damage Allegations: Impact on Indonesia’s Eco-Standards | INSIDER – Indonesia Business Post

PT Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP) in North Maluku is facing serious accusations of environmental damage. The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has reported the company to the Ministry of Environment for alleged violations.

Ratna Juwita Sari, a member of Commission XII, did not hold back her criticism. “No one is above the law, not even a National Strategic Project,” she said. She emphasized the need for strong government action against any entity causing environmental harm during a meeting with Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq on February 10, 2025.

During a recent inspection of the IWIP site in Halmahera, a Commission XII team, led by Deputy Chairman Bambang Hariadi, observed significant environmental issues. Rasio Ridho Sani, who works for the Ministry of Environment, was also part of this visit.

Ratna shared that one of the team members was so affected by what they saw that they were brought to tears. “The damage is heartbreaking,” she said. A key worry is the disposal of toxic waste. “If this waste is going into rivers or the sea, it could be disastrous for local fishermen and their communities. It’s simply wrong,” she added.

Concerns about pollution are rising, and Commission XII is urging swift action from the government to enforce environmental laws strictly. This is crucial to protect both local people and nature.

IWIP, inaugurated on August 30, 2018, is an integrated industrial area based in Lelilef Village, focusing on heavy metal processing. It serves as a center for mineral processing and electric vehicle battery component production. This joint venture is backed by three Chinese companies—Tsingshan, Huayou, and Zhenshi—as well as the French company Eramet.

Designated as a National Strategic Project by President Joko Widodo, IWIP plays a vital role in Indonesia’s industrial growth. Since it opened, the park has significantly boosted the local economy, creating more than 45,000 jobs, with 45 percent of employees coming from nearby areas.

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