Indonesia Urged to Reject Deep-Sea Mining at UN Forum
Indonesia Urged to Reject Deep-Sea Mining at UN Forum
Indonesia Urged to Reject Deep Sea Mining - On June 19, 2026, the Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia Coalition issued a formal call for the government to endorse a moratorium or fully oppose deep-sea mining (DSM) during the 31st session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). This request comes as the UN-backed global forum convenes in Kingston, Jamaica, from July 29 to 31, 2026. The coalition’s letter was directed to both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, signaling a coordinated effort to influence the outcome of the discussion.
A Global Environmental Concern
According to Aryanto Nugroho, the national coordinator of PWYP Indonesia, the decision to commercialize deep-sea minerals could lead to irreversible environmental harm. “Our coalition is advocating for a pause in DSM activities to prevent widespread ecological destruction,” he said in a statement released on June 20, 2026. The letter underscores the urgency of the issue, framing it as a critical juncture for global policy.
Indonesia, a key member of the ISA Council for the 2023–2026 term, holds significant influence over the regulatory framework governing seabed mineral extraction. The upcoming meeting will focus on the Mining Code, a pivotal document determining how deep-sea mining can proceed under international law. Aryanto emphasized that this code is not merely a technical debate but a defining moment for the planet’s future. “The choices made now will shape the trajectory of oceanic ecosystems for generations,” he warned.
Supporters of DSM argue that the practice could unlock valuable resources, including nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements essential for green technologies. However, the coalition contends that the environmental costs outweigh the benefits. Scientific studies cited by PWYP suggest that DSM operations could disturb deep-sea sediments, releasing trapped carbon emissions and disrupting vital natural carbon sinks. This, in turn, might accelerate climate change and degrade marine biodiversity.
Indonesia’s Vulnerability and Strategic Role
Indonesia’s position as an ISA Council member has placed it at the center of global negotiations. Aryanto highlighted that the country is being positioned as a critical player in the DSM supply chain. “Local industries risk becoming a dumping ground for industrial waste from deep-sea mining,” he stated. The coalition fears that if DSM is approved, global firms like The Metals Company (TMC) will leverage Indonesia’s refining infrastructure to process polymetallic nodules harvested from international waters.
Regional fishery resources, already under pressure from overfishing and pollution, could face further contamination from heavy metals released during mining operations. Coastal communities, which depend on these ecosystems for sustenance and livelihood, may suffer long-term health and economic consequences. Aryanto pointed out that the issue is no longer abstract—it is directly tied to Indonesia’s environmental and social well-being.
The coalition’s concerns align with findings from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Policy briefs submitted to the ISA reveal that DSM could compromise human rights by displacing local populations and exploiting their natural resources. “The extraction process threatens both the planet’s health and the rights of its people,” Aryanto added, citing reports that highlight the irreversible damage to marine habitats.
Two Key Recommendations
In its letter, PWYP outlined two central demands. First, it urged Indonesia to declare support for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, making the country the first in Asia to join the global opposition to DSM commercialization. Second, the coalition called for the government to ensure high-level representation at the ISA meetings to prevent the Mining Code from being hastily ratified. “Political presence is crucial to shaping the terms of this global resource race,” Aryanto explained.
These recommendations aim to protect Indonesia’s interests while promoting sustainable practices. By advocating for a pause, the coalition hopes to allow more time for research and public consultation. It also seeks to prevent the exploitation of the nation’s coastal ecosystems, which could lead to severe pollution and ecological imbalances. The letter was copied to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Minister of Environment and Forestry to block the import of deep-sea mining commodities into the domestic supply chain.
Aryanto noted that the current climate crisis, coupled with biodiversity loss and pollution, makes a moratorium on DSM an essential step. “This decision will define whether we prioritize short-term economic gains or long-term environmental stewardship,” he said. The coalition believes that Indonesia’s leadership in this matter could set a precedent for other nations, encouraging a shift toward responsible resource management.
Indonesia’s involvement in the ISA Council underscores its strategic role in international maritime governance. While the country has previously supported DSM initiatives, the coalition argues that its current stance must evolve to reflect the growing global consensus against the practice. “The time for hesitation is over,” Aryanto concluded. “We must act decisively to safeguard our oceans and communities.”
Environmental advocates and scientists continue to emphasize the permanence of DSM’s impacts. Unlike surface mining, which can be mitigated through reclamation efforts, deep-sea mining poses unique challenges. Once the seabed is disturbed, the recovery of its delicate ecosystems may be impossible. This has led to calls for stricter regulations, including limits on mining depth, frequency, and the types of minerals extracted.
The PWYP Indonesia Coalition is not alone in its concerns. Other civil society organizations have joined the campaign, amplifying the pressure on policymakers. They argue that the Mining Code, if approved without safeguards, could enable large-scale industrial mining in the deep sea, which might lead to the degradation of marine environments. “The code must incorporate measures to prevent irreversible harm,” Aryanto said, stressing the need for international collaboration.
As the ISA meeting approaches, the debate over deep-sea mining intensifies. Countries with vested interests in DSM are pushing for its legalization, while environmental groups warn of the risks. Indonesia’s decision could tip the balance, either supporting or opposing the expansion of this industry. The coalition’s efforts reflect a broader movement advocating for ocean conservation and equitable resource distribution.
Readers are encouraged to follow the developments at the ISA meeting, as the outcome will have far-reaching implications for global marine ecosystems. The PWYP Indonesia Coalition’s call for a moratorium highlights the intersection of environmental science, policy, and international diplomacy. With climate change and pollution escalating, the urgency for action has never been greater.
The government’s response to the coalition’s letter will be closely watched by environmentalists, scientists, and global stakeholders. By taking a firm position, Indonesia could emerge as a leader in the fight against deep-sea mining, setting a standard for responsible resource extraction. Aryanto’s warnings and recommendations underscore the need for caution in an era of rapid industrial expansion.
In conclusion, the upcoming ISA session presents a critical opportunity for Indonesia to influence the future of deep-sea mining. The coalition’s advocacy reflects a growing awareness of the environmental and social consequences of DSM. As the world grapples with the dual challenges of resource scarcity and ecological degradation, the choices made at this forum will shape the path forward for generations to come.