Best Energy, Environment & ESG Lawyers in Bali

1. About Energy, Environment & ESG Law in Bali, Indonesia

Bali follows Indonesia’s nationwide framework for energy, environment and ESG regulations, with local authorities handling permits and enforcement on the island. The core statutes are national laws such as Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management and Law No. 30/2009 on Electricity, both amended by Law No. 11/2020 on Job Creation. Environmental licensing, including AMDAL and UKL-UPL, remains central to project approvals and is increasingly streamlined through the OSS (Online Single Submission) system. ESG considerations are becoming more prominent for large projects and listed companies in Bali, reflecting global investor expectations and local sustainable tourism goals.

On Bali, practical compliance involves coordinating environmental permits, land-use considerations, water resources, and energy licensing within the OSS framework. Local authorities implement provincial and regency-level rules that align with the national regime. For residents, this means engaging with environmental agencies, land authorities and energy regulators to secure permits and maintain ongoing compliance. Key authorities include Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the OSS licensing portal.

According to Indonesia's environmental framework, AMDAL is required for certain large projects and UKL-UPL for others, under Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, as amended by Law No. 11/2020 to improve licensing efficiency. Sources: peraturan.go.id

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

In Bali, several concrete scenarios commonly require skilled energy, environment and ESG legal counsel to avoid enforcement action and costly delays. Below are real-world examples that illustrate typical needs.

• A Bali resort plans a major expansion that will increase wastewater and effluent discharge. You need to determine if AMDAL or UKL-UPL applies, prepare the environmental impact documentation, and secure the environmental permit through OSS to proceed.
• A renewable energy developer wants to install a solar or micro-grid project near Denpasar. A lawyer helps navigate environmental licensing, land-use approvals, interconnection with PLN, and any local regulation on siting and community consultation.
• A hotel or villa complex seeks to upgrade waste management and implement a new recycling program. You require a compliance strategy for waste handling, permits for waste disposal, and alignment with Bali’s waste-management policies under national and local rules.
• A foreign investor needs to acquire land for a sustainable project and must address land-use classifications, adat community considerations, and due diligence on land rights and permits before any investment commitment.
• A developer faces community opposition or regulatory objections to a project’s environmental impact plan. A lawyer can help with stakeholder engagement, documentation, and dispute resolution with authorities and local communities.
• A company wants to restructure ESG disclosures and reporting for Bali operations. You need guidance on what constitutes material ESG information under Indonesian expectations, and how to prepare compliant disclosures for regulators and investors.

3. Local Laws Overview

The Bali framework relies on a mix of national laws and local implementation. Here are 2-3 key statutes and regulations that shape Energy, Environment and ESG practices on the island.

• Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management (undang-undang perlindungan dan pengelolaan lingkungan hidup) - the foundational environmental law. It covers environmental impact assessments, permitting, pollution control, and conservation measures. It was amended by Law No. 11/2020 on Job Creation (UU Cipta Kerja), which streamlined licensing and enhanced the use of OSS for environmental permits.
• Law No. 11/2020 on Job Creation (UU Cipta Kerja) - a broad reform affecting multiple sectors, including environmental licensing processes and business registration. It introduced simplified procedures through OSS and updated certain environmental and land-use rules to speed up investment and project approvals. See official regulation portals for specifics.
• Law No. 30/2009 on Electricity - the principal framework governing electricity supply, generation, and distribution. It has been amended to align with the changes under UU Cipta Kerja, affecting licensing, procurement, and industry openness. It shapes how energy projects connect to PLN and how power capacity is developed on Bali.
• Government Regulation No. 27/2012 on Environmental Permits - regulates environmental licensing, including AMDAL and UKL-UPL, and sets the basic requirements for environmental protection and monitoring in development projects. This regulation interacts with the amendments brought by UU Cipta Kerja to OSS procedures.

For official texts and updates, consult Indonesia’s regulatory portals and ministry resources. Government portals host the actual statutory texts and amendments:

• peraturan.go.id - official repository of Indonesian laws and regulations
• ESDM - Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, energy policy and licensing
• KLHK - Ministry of Environment and Forestry, environmental protection and waste management
• OSS - Online Single Submission portal for one-stop licensing

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is AMDAL and when is it required in Bali?

AMDAL is a comprehensive environmental impact assessment used for large or potentially dangerous projects. It is typically required for significant developments such as hotels, resorts, big construction, or industrial facilities. Local authorities determine applicability based on project type and scale.

How do I start the environmental licensing process in Bali?

Begin with a project description and siting assessment, then determine whether AMDAL or UKL-UPL applies. Submit the required documents through the OSS portal and engage a qualified environmental consultant to prepare the assessment.

What is the difference between UKL-UPL and AMDAL?

UKL-UPL covers smaller or less impactful activities, while AMDAL applies to larger or high-risk projects. The choice affects the level of environmental study, community consultation, and permit routes.

Do I need a Bali-based lawyer or can a national firm handle the case?

A Bali-based lawyer is often advantageous due to local procedural familiarity, land-use considerations, and engagement with regency authorities. A national firm with local partners can also work well if they have a Bali desk.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for ESG matters in Bali?

Costs vary by project complexity, but expect to budget for a retainer, due diligence, permit applications, and potential dispute resolution. A typical initial engagement might range from several thousand to tens of thousands of USD, excluding project-specific costs.

What is the typical timeline for AMDAL approval in Bali?

Timelines depend on project size and local authority processing. AMDAL can take several months to over a year, while UKL-UPL generally moves faster, depending on data quality and public comment periods.

Is UKL-UPL a simpler alternative to AMDAL?

Yes, for qualifying projects UKL-UPL usually requires a shorter study and faster processing, but eligibility depends on project scope and potential environmental impact as determined by authorities.

Can a foreign investor obtain a permit to operate a project in Bali?

Foreign investors can obtain permits, but must comply with Indonesia’s investment and land-use rules, and often partner with local entities for regulatory compliance and land transactions.

Should I hire a lawyer for land-use and land-rights issues?

Yes. Bali has complex land tenure and adat considerations. A lawyer can perform due diligence on land titles, potential encumbrances, and required consents before any development.

How long does the interconnection process with PLN typically take?

Interconnection depends on project size and grid capacity. It can take several weeks to several months, during which regulatory approvals and technical studies are reviewed.

Do I need ESG disclosures for Bali operations?

While Indonesia does not require universal ESG reporting like some jurisdictions, large projects and listed entities are increasingly expected to disclose ESG practices to regulators and investors. Local expectations also grow with tourism-related environmental commitments.

5. Additional Resources

Access official government sources for authoritative guidance and regulatory texts relevant to Energy, Environment and ESG in Bali:

• Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan (KLHK) - Environmental protection, waste management, and conservation policies for Indonesia. Official site: menlhk.go.id
• Kementerian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral (ESDM) - National energy policy, licensing, and energy sector regulation. Official site: esdm.go.id
• Online Single Submission (OSS) - One-stop licensing portal for Indonesian business activities, including environmental permits and energy licenses. Official site: oss.go.id

6. Next Steps

1. Define project objectives and regulatory scope. Identify whether AMDAL or UKL-UPL applies, and map relevant permits to avoid delays.
2. Assemble a regulatory checklist with local permits, land-rights documents, and any adat community consents needed for Bali.
3. Engage a Bali-based energy and environment solicitor or legal counsel with ESG experience. Request a clear retainer scope and milestone plan.
4. Initiate due diligence and prepare the required environmental assessments through OSS. Schedule a pre-application meeting with the relevant Bali/regency authority.
5. Submit AMDAL or UKL-UPL and align your project timeline with permit processing windows. Build a communication plan for stakeholders and regulators.
6. Monitor permit progress, respond to agency requests promptly, and prepare for potential public comments or objections.
7. Establish ongoing ESG compliance and reporting practices for Bali operations, including waste management, energy efficiency, and community engagement policies.