Best Environmental Law & Compliance Lawyers in Bali

1. About Environmental Law & Compliance Law in Bali, Indonesia

Bali follows Indonesia's national framework for environmental protection and management. The core statute is Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management (PPLH), which sets standards for air, water, soil, biodiversity, and pollution control. Enforcement is shared by the central government and local Bali authorities, including the provincial and regency environmental agencies.

Compliance work covers environmental impact assessments, licensing, waste management, and inspections. Large projects typically require an AMDAL or UKL-UPL permit, while smaller activities may fall under UKL-UPL. The Omnibus Law in 2020 introduced changes that affect licensing pathways across Indonesia, including Bali.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• A hotel development in Badung triggers AMDAL or UKL-UPL requirements. An environmental lawyer can prepare the assessment, coordinate with regulators, and handle possible appeals if permits are delayed.
• A Balinese restaurant group faces penalties for wastewater discharges into a local river. A lawyer can guide you through enforcement actions, negotiate settlements, and ensure future compliance with PP 27/2012 and related rules.
• A villa complex in Ubud plans a waste management system. An attorney can advise on environmental law requirements, help obtain necessary permits, and structure an ongoing compliance program.
• A construction project near a mangrove ecosystem requires environmental licensing and permit updates. A solicitor can oversee the EIA process and liaise with authorities to avoid violations.
• An NGO or local community challenges a development project to protect coral reefs. An advokat or pengacara environmental can assist with administrative appeals or public interest actions under Indonesian environmental law.

3. Local Laws Overview

In Bali, local regulations work within the national environmental framework. The laws below are central to how environmental compliance is handled in Bali, with local authorities administering implementation and enforcement.

• Undang-Undang Nomor 32 Tahun 2009 tentang Perlindungan dan Pengelolaan Lingkungan Hidup (PPLH) - Core environmental law. It establishes duties to protect ecosystems, manage pollution, and require impact assessments. The 2020 Omnibus Law (UU No. 11 Tahun 2020) amended licensing pathways under PPLH.
• Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 27 Tahun 2012 tentang Izin Lingkungan - Implements AMDAL and UKL-UPL requirements. It governs when environmental permits are needed and how they are issued and audited. Changes have further aligned these processes with the Omnibus Law.
• Undang-Undang Nomor 18 Tahun 2008 tentang Pengelolaan Sampah - Waste management framework that governs collection, processing, and disposal of solid waste, including packaging and plastic waste scenarios common in Bali's tourism sector.

Recent changes and trends in Bali include stronger enforcement of wastewater and solid waste obligations in tourist areas, and a shift toward streamlined licensing under the Omnibus Law. For official text and updates, consult the Indonesian law repository and KLHK guidance.

Official guidance on environmental licensing and the AMDAL/UKL-UPL framework is published by the Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan (KLHK). Access: KLHK website.

The Omnibus Law changes to environmental licensing are documented in official Indonesian regulations and summaries. Access: Peraturan.go.id.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AMDAL and do I need one for my project?

An AMDAL is an in-depth environmental impact assessment for major projects. You need AMDAL if your project falls into high impact categories under PPLH. Smaller projects may use UKL-UPL instead.

How do I determine whether UKL-UPL or AMDAL applies to me?

When will my environmental permit be issued?

Permit timelines vary by project type and regulator workload. A typical AMDAL process can take several months, while UKL-UPL timelines are shorter but still require complete documentation.

Where can I find the official environmental laws in Bali?

Official Indonesian laws are published on Peraturan.go.id, and KLHK provides guidance. The Bali provincial body also issues local regulations that implement national rules.

Why do I need a local Bali environmental lawyer or advokat?

A local lawyer understands Bali's regulatory landscape and permits. They can coordinate with provincial regulators and represent you in administrative processes and potential appeals.

Can I appeal an environmental enforcement decision?

Yes. Administrative appeals or court challenges may be available. A lawyer can assess your options and file the appropriate remedy within deadlines.

Should I hire a lawyer for waste management compliance?

Yes. Waste management laws are detailed and involve reporting, record keeping, and potential penalties. A lawyer helps set up compliant systems and respond to audits.

Do I need to pay for an environmental impact assessment up front?

Yes. AMDAL or UKL-UPL costs include consultant fees and regulator processing. A lawyer can help you budget and negotiate scope with the authorities.

Is Bali subject to unique local environmental rules?

Bali applies national law but also uses local regulations for implementation. Always check the Bali DLH and local regencies for any site-specific requirements.

What is the difference between AMDAL and UKL-UPL?

AMDAL assesses significant environmental effects. UKL-UPL applies to smaller, less impactful projects. Both require registration and oversight by environmental authorities.

Do I need a permit for water or land use in Bali?

Yes. Water use and land use often require environmental and land regulatory approvals. A lawyer can identify the required licenses and manage filings.

How long does it take to start a project after securing a permit?

Once environmental permits are obtained, project start times depend on construction readiness and local permits. A lawyer helps align timelines with regulatory milestones.

5. Additional Resources

• Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan (KLHK) - National environmental policy and licensing
• Dinas Lingkungan Hidup Provinsi Bali - Bali environmental regulation and enforcement
• Peraturan.go.id - Official repository of Indonesian laws and regulations

6. Next Steps

1. Define your objective and the regulatory risk in Bali; write down the project scope and potential impacts; 1-2 days.
2. Gather documents such as land use plans, permits, and any previous environmental assessments; organize by category; 2-5 days.
3. Identify 2-3 environmental law specialists in Bali; check credentials with the Indonesian Advocates Association (AAI) or local bar associations; 1 week.
4. Schedule initial consultations to discuss your project, timeline, and budget; bring all regulatory questions and documents; 30-90 minutes per meeting.
5. Ask about scope of work, fees, and expected timelines; request a written engagement letter with deliverables; 1-2 weeks.
6. Proceed with the permitting or dispute resolution process; your lawyer coordinates with KLHK, DLH Bali, and regency offices; timelines vary by case.
7. Review outcomes and implement an ongoing compliance program; set quarterly audits and updates with your counsel; ongoing.