Indonesia reviews nickel mining in 'last paradise' after outcry

Indonesia will review nickel mining in a region known as the "world's last paradise" and could take legal action, the environment minister said, after Greenpeace videos sparked public outcry about potential damage.The eastern archipelago of Raja Ampat in Southwest Papua Province sits in the Coral Triangle and is thought to be one of the world's most pristine reef areas, with its clear blue waters making it a popular diving spot.Greenpeace Indonesia ignited social media uproar this week with several videos highlighting nickel mining projects in the area, with one amassing 13 million views on Instagram.Indonesia has the world's biggest nickel reserves and is the biggest producer of the metal used in electric vehicle batteries and stainless steel.However, environmentalists say its rush to capitalise on supply and boost processing is causing irreparable damage to land around mines and smelters.The outcry over potential damage to the area drew a reaction from the government, with the energy ministry suspending operations at a nickel mine on one of Raja Ampat's islands pending an inspection.Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said he would visit the area and vowed to punish mining firms there.

"We will immediately take legal action related to activities in Raja Ampat, after going through our studies," Hanif said on Thursday, according to Indonesian media.Nickel exploitation on the islands of Gag, Kawe and Manuran has led to the destruction of more than 500 hectares of forest and vegetation, according to a Greenpeace Indonesia analysis.They are categorised as small islands that under Indonesian law should be off-limits to mining, the environmentalist group said.The government's response has raised hopes that spreading awareness was helping to protect Raja Ampat, Greenpeace Indonesia forest campaign team leader Arie Rompas told AFP on Friday."We are happy because there are some actions that the government could take. We are pushing the right button with this campaign," he said.Arie said he hoped the public would carry on supporting Greenpeace's campaign until the government revoked all mining licences and until Raja Ampat is "truly protected".