IJLSH
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): IJLSH - July 2026

The Illusion of Oversight: Fragmented Governance and Weak Legal Enforcement of Marine Environmental Degradation Caused by Nickel Mining Activities in North Kolaka

Petrus Sihombing (Merchant Marine Polytechnic of North Sulawesi, Indonesia)
Iksan Saifudin (Merchant Marine Polytechnic of North Sulawesi, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study analyzes the phenomenon of institutional fragmentation and weak enforcement of marine environmental laws resulting from nickel mining activities in North Kolaka Regency. The research findings indicate that although Indonesia possesses a comprehensive regulatory framework for environmental protection, implementation at the local level has failed due to overlapping jurisdictions, weak inter-agency coordination, and the limited role of the regency government. These conditions give rise to the phenomenon of “the illusion of oversight”—a situation where formal oversight appears to be in place but is ineffective in preventing and addressing environmental violations. This study suggests a Multi-Stakeholder Approach-based Integrated Coordination Portal as a solution, integrating Early Warning System (EWS) and Whistleblowing System (WBS) technologies to enhance the responsiveness of oversight and transparency in environmental law enforcement. This model also emphasizes the importance of reconstructing district government authority through the delegation of environmental social control functions. These findings contribute to the development of a more integrated and enforcement-oriented environmental governance framework based on multi-level governance in developing countries.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijlsh

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

The International Journal of Law, Social Science, and Humanities (IJLSH) is a periodically published scientific research and scholarly work authored by legal experts, academics, practitioners, and researchers in the fields of law, social sciences, and humanities. The International Journal of Law, ...