New Environmental Impact Assessment Requirements Effective February 2024
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has issued new regulations on Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) procedures, requiring updated assessments for existing projects and stricter requirements for new developments.
New AMDAL Regulations
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) has issued Government Regulation No. 22 of 2023 on Environmental Impact Assessment (“GR 22/2023”), replacing the previous 2012 regulation. The new requirements are effective February 1, 2024.
Key Changes
Expanded Scope of Assessment Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) now required for:
- Projects in or adjacent to conservation areas
- Activities with potential transboundary environmental impact
- Projects involving genetically modified organisms
- Large-scale land conversion (threshold reduced from 50 to 25 hectares)
Stricter Public Consultation Requirements
- Mandatory consultation with affected communities before AMDAL preparation
- Public disclosure period extended from 30 to 45 days
- Requirement to address all public comments in assessment document
Enhanced Monitoring Obligations
- Quarterly environmental monitoring reports to KLHK
- Third-party audit of environmental management every 2 years
- Real-time emissions monitoring for high-risk facilities
Compliance Requirements for Existing Projects
Companies with existing environmental permits must:
- Review Current AMDAL - Assess whether existing assessment meets new requirements
- Submit Updated Documentation - Within 12 months for projects requiring expanded assessment
- Implement Enhanced Monitoring - Install required monitoring systems by August 2024
Penalties for Non-Compliance
| Violation | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|
| Failure to conduct AMDAL | Project suspension + fine up to IDR 3 billion |
| Incomplete assessment | Administrative warning + remedial deadline |
| False information in AMDAL | Criminal prosecution + fine up to IDR 10 billion |
| Non-compliance with monitoring | Permit revocation + operational closure |
Immediate Action Required
Project owners should:
- Conduct Legal Audit - Review existing environmental permits against GR 22/2023
- Engage Environmental Consultants - Prepare updated assessments where required
- Budget for Compliance - Allocate resources for monitoring systems and third-party audits
- Train Personnel - Ensure environmental teams understand new obligations
Sector-Specific Guidance
We have prepared detailed compliance guides for:
- Manufacturing and industrial facilities
- Mining and extractive industries
- Real estate and property development
- Energy and power generation
- Infrastructure projects
This alert is for general information. For environmental compliance assistance, please contact Andrew Timothy at andrew.timothy@b-av.co.