Jakarta, June 11 -- Mining activities on small islands, such as Raja Ampat in Southwest Papua, could lead to sedimentation that disrupts coastal ecosystems, according to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).

"The impact (of the mining activity) is sedimentation. The rainwater flowing into the sea carries particles that eventually cover coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other habitats. It definitely disrupts coastal ecosystems," the ministry's Director of Coasts and Small Islands, Ahmad Aris, stated on Wednesday.

He further pointed out that damage to coastal ecosystems would also impact the economy of the surrounding community.

Aris explained that coastal areas serve as spawning grounds for fish and support other marine acti...