Environmental Law Enforcement in Illegal Mining Cases in Indonesia

• Published in: International journal of criminal justice sciences Vol. 18; no. 2; pp. 40 - 56
• Main Author: Zainuddin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thirunelveli International Journal of Cyber Criminology 01-07-2023
• Subjects: Biodiversity; Corruption; Criminal investigations; Environmental impact; Environmental law; Environmental protection; Environmental regulations; Law enforcement; Legal research; Legislation; Mining industry; Permits; Politics; Regulation; Indonesia
• ISSN: 0973-5089
• DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.4756304

The issue of illicit mining in the Republic of Indonesia has garnered heightened scrutiny due to its detrimental impacts on the ecosystem, natural resources, and indigenous populations. The illicit extraction of minerals has resulted in the contamination of water sources, the destruction of forests, the deterioration of habitats, and the decline of biodiversity. In order to address these concerns, it is imperative to conduct research on the efficacy of enforcement mechanisms pertaining to environmental legislation in deterring illegal mining activities. This research is essential for the formulation of enhanced and targeted policies aimed at preserving Indonesia's biodiversity. Hence, the principal objective of this study is to examine the enforcement of environmental law in instances of illegal mining in Indonesia. In conducting this legal research, data was collected from various primary and secondary sources and subsequently subjected to content analysis. The present investigation employed a normative research methodology for data collection. Therefore, it is evident that Indonesia's extensive regulatory framework, encompassing environmental legislation, plays a crucial role in maintaining environmental standards, regulating mining activities, and addressing the pervasive issue of illegal mining. To effectively mitigate unlawful mining activities and safeguard the invaluable biodiversity for future generations, it is imperative for the nation to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to strengthening existing legal frameworks. However, the implementation of environmental law in cases of illicit mining often faces numerous social, political, and financial challenges. Due to the complex nature of these interrelationships, comprehending the isolated impacts of act of law implementation posed a challenge.