Environmental LAW

Take a deep dive into Indonesia's

All information is based from December 16, 2025

ENVIRONMENTAL law

low angle photography of trees at daytime
low angle photography of trees at daytime

refers to the set of regulations, principles, and policies designed to protect Indonesia’s natural environment. It governs issues such as pollution control, conservation of natural resources, waste management, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. In Indonesia, environmental law is primarily regulated under UU No. 32 Tahun 2009 tentang Perlindungan dan Pengelolaan Lingkungan Hidup (PPLH).

  • Environmental issues grew as Indonesia industrialized and expanded resource extraction.

  • Early regulations were scattered across different sectors and lacked strong enforcement.

  • Law No. 23 of 1997 introduced national environmental management rules.

  • This law was later replaced to strengthen protection and accountability.

  • UU No. 32/2009 became the cornerstone, emphasizing strict liability for polluters, environmental impact assessments (AMDAL), and integration with sustainable development goals. Recent amendments and supporting regulations address climate change, biodiversity loss, and enforcement through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK).

woman in gold dress holding sword figurine
woman in gold dress holding sword figurine

background/historical overview

key principles

  • Sustainable Development: Development must not damage the environment needed by future generations.

  • Precautionary Principle: Prevent environmental damage even when scientific certainty is not complete.

  • Polluter Pays Principle: Those who cause pollution must pay for environmental damage and recovery.

  • State Responsibility: The government must protect and manage the environment for public welfare.

  • Public Participation: Citizens have the right to access information and participate in environmental decisions.

white plastic bottle on brown soil
white plastic bottle on brown soil
green leaves plant during daytime
green leaves plant during daytime
brown concrete pillars indoors
brown concrete pillars indoors

Environmental law is highly relevant to Indonesian youth as environmental damage directly affects their future quality of life. Young people are often both victims of environmental harm (such as pollution and climate change) and key actors in environmental advocacy, education, and sustainable practices.

relevance to the youth

main ways Indonesian ENVIRONMENTAL law connects to modern youth:

1.Entrepreneurship and Green Businesses

As more youth launch eco-friendly startups, ranging from plastic recycling to organic farming, understanding environmental permits, AMDAL processes, and waste management rules becomes essential to ensure compliance and long-term sustainability.


black leather rolling armchair near white wooden desk
black leather rolling armchair near white wooden desk

2.Youth as Environmental Advocates

Many young Indonesians actively participate in climate strikes, waste-reduction movements, mangrove restoration, and sustainability campaigns. Environmental law provides the legal foundation that supports youth activism by guaranteeing access to environmental information, public participation, and legal standing to challenge harmful projects.


group of people gathered on road
group of people gathered on road

3. Education, Innovation, and Green Careers

Environmental law also opens pathways for youth to engage in green entrepreneurship, environmental science, sustainable tourism, and environmental law careers. Understanding legal obligations related to waste management, emissions, and sustainability helps young innovators create environmentally responsible solutions while staying compliant with the law.


a group of people in a room with a projector screen
a group of people in a room with a projector screen

Environmental Law Cases in Indonesia

This section presents a list of environmental law case examples involving youth in Indonesia to illustrate how legal provisions are applied in practice.

In 2022, the Ministry of Environment fined a company Rp 500 billion for clearing 1,000 hectares of forest without AMDAL approval, violating UU 32/2009. Youth activists from WALHI provided evidence via citizen reports, showing how public participation enforces strict liability and restores ecosystems.

photography of smoke coming out from tower during daytime
photography of smoke coming out from tower during daytime

Youth-Led Lawsuit Against Coal Plant Pollution in Java

Teen activists sued a coal power plant operator in 2023 for air and water pollution affecting local schools, citing the Polluter Pays Principle. The court ordered remediation and compensation, highlighting youth litigation rights under environmental law.

blue labeled plastic bottles
blue labeled plastic bottles

Plastic Waste Crisis and Single-Use Ban Enforcement

A Jakarta startup faced penalties for improper plastic disposal but pivoted to recycling after learning regulations; meanwhile, youth campaigns pushed for the 2020 single-use plastic roadmap, demonstrating how law drives sustainable business innovation.

KLHK vs. Illegal Palm Oil Plantation in Riau

Further Readings

Works Cited