Public Access to Environmental Information in Indonesia: Reformulating AMDAL Governance through Regulatory and Digital Integration

Abstract

Public access to environmental information constitutes a fundamental component of environmental governance, particularly within the Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) framework in Indonesia. However, in practice, such access remains constrained by substantive, procedural, and institutional limitations. This study aims to examine the current state of public access to AMDAL information and to propose a reformulation of AMDAL governance through regulatory strengthening and digital integration. Employing a normative juridical method with statutory and conceptual approaches, the study reveals that access to AMDAL information is predominantly procedural and fails to ensure substantive transparency, completeness, and accessibility. Regulatory overlaps and the underutilization of electronic systems, including the Environmental Information System (SILH) and emerging digital platforms, further weaken public oversight. Additionally, regulatory changes under Law No. 11 of 2020 on Job Creation have reduced explicit guarantees of information access rights. This study offers a novel contribution by proposing an integrated governance model that combines regulatory reform with a unified digital information system to enhance transparency and public participation. Strengthening such integration is essential to ensure accountability and effective environmental protection in Indonesia.