By Abbas Nazil
Villagers living around the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) in Sulawesi are grappling with worsening pollution as government sanctions against the nickel complex remain unenforced months after being announced.
The IMIP, a joint venture between China’s Tsingshan Group and Indonesia’s Bintang Delapan, hosts over 50 manufacturers producing nickel-based products, including materials for electric vehicle batteries.
Residents of nearby villages such as Kurisa and Bahomakmur report that the sea has turned red from waste discharges, rendering it unfishable.
They say the pollution has destroyed livelihoods, forcing many to abandon fishing for menial work such as scavenging.
Health problems, including persistent coughs, fevers, and respiratory issues, have been linked to air pollution and exposure to coal ash from the complex’s power plants.
A 2024 study by TuK Indonesia and Tadulako University revealed that air pollutant levels, including PM 2.5 and sulphur dioxide, exceeded safety standards in surrounding areas.
Environmental groups warn that tailings management at IMIP poses further risks.
The Free Land Foundation estimates that the facility generates about 11.5 million tonnes of toxic waste annually, which could quadruple by 2026.
In March 2025, a tailings embankment collapsed after heavy rain, killing three workers and contaminating nearby areas.
Although Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment announced sanctions in June 2025 for multiple violations, including illegal tailings and air pollution, villagers say no enforcement has followed.
Local leaders claim their complaints to regional authorities have gone unanswered.
Environmental advocates have accused the government and IMIP of a lack of transparency, urging public monitoring of enforcement actions.
Experts warn that Indonesia’s failure to uphold environmental standards could damage its reputation in the global nickel market.
Meanwhile, villagers continue to suffer from health issues and environmental degradation, with no compensation or relocation assistance in sight.