TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Bishop of Timika from the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), Bernardus Bofitwos Baru, criticized the environmental damage caused by nickel mining in Raja Ampat, South West Papua, Indonesia. He delivered this criticism while preaching on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the Cathedral of the Three Kings in Timika, Mimika Regency, Central Papua.
The sermon was broadcast live by local media in Papua, and Bernardus has allowed Tempo to quote his statements. The Catholic priest, given the title monsignor, stated that the cause of environmental damage in Papua is the ambition of political and economic elites.
"I think the oligarchy cleared 2,000 hectares of Marind land," he said. "Also, the beautiful Raja Ampat is beginning to be destroyed due to the greed and avarice of the ruling oligarchy, who are using national strategic projects as a pretext."
In front of his congregation, Bernardus reminded that the arbitrariness of the government and businessmen has taken the lives of the indigenous Papuan people. He referred to the actions of the oligarchs as being based on the spirit of evil that has overtaken humans in the interests of capitalism.
As a result, many people are afraid of losing the worldly pleasures they have acquired, including their wealth. Bernardus stated that if this is allowed to continue, it could hinder the Holy Spirit from inspiring people to act for the common good.
"That is the spirit of the world. Do we want to follow it? One that destroys nature and others?" said Bernardus. He then called on the faithful to follow the Spirit of Christ, which unites people by valuing the integrity and beauty of nature.
"Ladies and gentlemen, see those who struggle to preserve their nature, forests, and culture; they are the ones guided by the Holy Spirit," he said. Bernardus urged the community to emulate the characteristics of the Holy Spirit and speak out about their right to life.
Conversely, he urged the congregation to abandon the worldly spirit that favors oligarchs who prioritize the welfare of a few. On the other hand, this worldly spirit impoverishes the lives of others.
Prior to this, Greenpeace Indonesia and four Papuan youths protested at the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference, opposing nickel mining in Raja Ampat. They raised concerns about environmental damage from 16 issued mining permits, some already active. Greenpeace warned that mining on small islands could severely harm the ecosystem.
In response, the Environment Ministry sealed four mining sites and announced plans to revoke permits while requiring restoration. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry also temporarily halted operations of PT GAG Nikel pending further investigation.
Defara Dhanya and Nandito Putra contributed to the writing of this article
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