Best Climate Change Law Lawyers in Bali

1. About Climate Change Law in Bali, Indonesia

Bali follows national climate change and environmental protection laws, with local authorities responsible for implementation at the provincial and regency levels. The island’s climate framework focuses on emissions reduction, renewable energy adoption, waste management, and ecosystem protection in coastal and tourism areas. Because Bali’s economy relies heavily on tourism and natural resources, climate law here emphasizes sustainable development, permitting processes, and enforcement that aligns with both national and local plans.

In practice, climate law in Bali combines environmental protection rules with sector-specific rules for energy, waste, and land use. Businesses and individuals must navigate environmental impact assessments, licensing requirements, and compliance reporting. Local authorities in Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and other regencies closely monitor permits, reporting, and penalties for non-compliance. This makes early legal counsel particularly valuable for careful risk management and timely approvals.

Source: Official Indonesian environmental policy and licensing frameworks referenced in government portals such as peraturan.go.id, KLHK and BMKG for climate data.

Recent trends show a push toward streamlining environmental licensing and expanding practical remedies for climate adaptation in Bali. National reforms enacted to simplify permits also influence how projects are evaluated locally. For residents and investors in Bali, understanding these developments helps ensure compliance and reduces delay risks in project timelines.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal counsel with experience in climate change law can help in specific, Bali-relevant scenarios. The following illustrations show concrete, real-world contexts where a specialist attorney or legal counsel can add value.

• Rooftop solar project for a Bali hotel - A hotel in Denpasar seeks to install a large rooftop solar system. The project will typically require UKL-UPL or AMDAL oversight under the national licensing framework. An attorney can determine the correct permit path, prepare the necessary environmental documentation, and coordinate with the local environmental agency to avoid bottlenecks.
• New resort development near coastal mangroves - A resort developer in Gianyar plans construction near protected mangrove habitats. You will need to evaluate EIA requirements, mitigation plans, and compliance with both national and provincial environmental rules. A lawyer can structure the process to minimize delays while ensuring rigorous environmental protections.
• Challenging a permit decision or enforcement action - A local community group suspects that a new business did not meet environmental standards. They seek a judicial review or administrative appeal. Legal counsel can identify viable remedies, file timely appeals, and present evidence in government or court proceedings.
• Environmental penalties and corrective actions - A Balinese manufacturing operator faces penalties for waste management or air emissions non-compliance. A lawyer can assess the basis of penalties, propose corrective action plans, and negotiate with regulators to avoid further sanctions.
• Renewable energy incentives and permitting - A business looks to leverage Indonesia’s renewable energy policies in Bali, including permits and interconnection with the grid. An attorney can map the incentive landscape, confirm eligibility, and handle licensing steps with the relevant authorities.
• Foreign investment and climate compliance - An international investor needs to align Bali operations with Indonesia’s climate-related rules and local permitting requirements. A climate law solicitor can bridge regulatory expectations and commercial goals, reducing risk in cross-border transactions.

3. Local Laws Overview

Below are 2-3 specific laws and regulations that govern climate change and environmental protection in Indonesia, with relevance to Bali. They apply nationwide, with Bali-specific implementation through provincial and regency regulations and local enforcement.

Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia No. 32 Tahun 2009 tentang Perlindungan dan Pengelolaan Lingkungan Hidup (PPLH) as amended

This foundational environmental protection and management law sets the general framework for pollution control, natural resource protection, impact assessment, and liability for environmental damage. It requires an environmental impact assessment for certain activities and outlines remedies for environmental harm. In 2020, the law was amended under the Cipta Kerja reforms to streamline licensing and adjust processes for environmental permitting.

Peraturan Pemerintah Republik Indonesia No. 27 Tahun 2012 tentang Izin Lingkungan

This government regulation governs environmental permits, including the processes for Environmental Impact Assessments (AMDAL) and the streamlined UKL-UPL framework for smaller activities. The regulation operates in tandem with PPLH and interacts with changes introduced by the 2020 Cipta Kerja reforms to align licensing with risk-based approaches.

Presiden Republik Indonesia No. 61 Tahun 2011 tentang Rencana Aksi Nasional Perubahan Iklim (RAN-GRK)

RAN-GRK establishes the National Action Plan for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction. It guides policy and sectoral planning to reduce emissions, with Bali implementing related strategies through provincial and regency plans. The document informs adaptation and mitigation efforts across sectors such as energy, waste, and land use in Bali.

Recent trends across Bali include a stronger emphasis on environmental licensing clarity and expanded use of UKL-UPL for routine activities. The national framework is supplemented by local Bali regulations and programs focused on waste management, coastal protection, and sustainable tourism practices. For detailed text and official versions of these laws, see the official Indonesian legal portal referenced below.

Key sources for the laws above

For the official texts and updates, consult the Indonesian legal portal peraturan.go.id.

Official environmental policy and licensing information is also published by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, KLHK. https://www.menlhk.go.id

Climate data, forecasts, and risk assessment information are published by BMKG. https://www.bmkg.go.id

4. Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between AMDAL and UKL-UPL?

• How do I start the environmental permit process in Bali?

• What is an environmental impact assessment exactly?

• What is the typical timeline for a permit in Denpasar or Badung?

• Do I need a lawyer for environmental licensing?

• What costs should I expect for an AMDAL or UKL-UPL?

• How long does it take to secure a renewable energy permit in Bali?

• Is it possible to appeal an environmental permit decision?

• What documents are usually required for an AMDAL in Bali?

• Who enforces environmental rules at the Bali provincial level?

• Can a foreign investor apply for Bali environmental permits?

• What should I do if I suspect non-compliance by a nearby project?

5. Additional Resources

• Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan (KLHK) - Official policies, licensing guidance, and climate change programs. Website: https://www.menlhk.go.id
• Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BMKG) - Climate data, forecasts, and risk assessments useful for planning and compliance. Website: https://www.bmkg.go.id
• Peraturan.go.id - Official portal for Indonesian laws and regulations, including PPLH, AMDAL, and licensing texts. Website: https://peraturan.go.id

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your goals and scope - Write a brief description of your project, its location in Bali, and your climate-change compliance objectives. This helps identify the right permits and potential risks. Time estimate: 1-2 days.
2. Gather key documents - Collect site plans, environmental baseline data, existing permits, and any prior environmental assessments. Time estimate: 3-7 days.
3. Identify a climate change lawyer in Bali - Seek lawyers with demonstrable experience in environmental law, energy licensing, and regulatory compliance in Bali. Request case studies and client references. Time estimate: 1-2 weeks.
4. Conduct initial consultations - Meet to discuss permitted paths (AMDAL vs UKL-UPL), timeline, and cost structure. Bring your project specifics and questions. Time estimate: 1-2 weeks for scheduling and meetings.
5. Evaluate engagement terms - Review proposed fees, retainer, scope of work, and communication cadence. Ensure the plan includes liaison with Bali authorities. Time estimate: 3-7 days.
6. File the appropriate environmental documentation - With your lawyer, prepare and submit the required AMDAL or UKL-UPL documentation and permit applications. Time estimate: 4-12 weeks depending on permit type and authority workload.
7. Monitor approvals and respond to requests - Track agency communications and promptly address any requests for additional information or mitigation plans. Time estimate: ongoing throughout the process.