Indonesian Climate Justice Review
Indonesian Climate Justice Review (e-ISSN: 3164-2284) is published by COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA, first published in 2024, and issued quarterly in January, April, July, and October in online format (electronic journal). It is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary scholarship on climate justice, with a particular focus on Indonesia and the Global South. The journal provides an academic platform for scholars, researchers, legal practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to examine the intersections of climate change, environmental law, human rights, indigenous peoples’ rights, socio-economic inequality, and sustainable development from a justice-oriented perspective. The journal publishes original research articles, review articles, conceptual studies, policy analyses, case studies, and other scholarly works addressing climate governance, environmental policies, legal frameworks, climate adaptation and mitigation, environmental justice, indigenous and local community rights, sustainable development, and the protection of vulnerable and marginalized communities. The journal welcomes interdisciplinary contributions from environmental law, human rights, political ecology, development studies, climate science, international law, economics, sociology, indigenous studies, and related fields. Particular emphasis is placed on community engagement, participatory justice, equitable climate action, inclusive legal frameworks, community-based resilience, and evidence-based policy reform. The journal applies a double-anonymous peer-review process and an Open Access Policy, providing free and immediate access to all published articles. Copyright is retained by the authors, and all articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.
Articles
55 Documents
Human Rights and Climate Change: The 2011 National Human Rights Action Plan (RANHAM) and Its Role in Promoting Climate Justice
Novi Yuliana
Indonesian Climate Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): April, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/vvc7d174
This paper explores the role of Indonesia’s 2011 National Human Rights Action Plan (RANHAM) in promoting climate justice, with a focus on how the country’s human rights framework intersects with climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. As climate change increasingly threatens the fundamental rights of individuals—particularly in vulnerable communities—there is a growing recognition of the need to integrate human rights protections into climate policies. RANHAM, as the country’s primary framework for advancing human rights, provides an opportunity to assess how human rights principles can be incorporated into national climate action strategies. This study examines RANHAM’s provisions related to environmental rights, the right to a healthy environment, and its alignment with international climate justice frameworks. By reviewing the actions and commitments outlined in RANHAM, this research assesses the extent to which climate justice is considered within Indonesia’s human rights policies, especially for marginalized groups who face disproportionate climate risks, such as indigenous communities, women, and rural populations. Through policy analysis, interviews with stakeholders, and case studies, the research evaluates the implementation of RANHAM in addressing climate-induced human rights violations, such as displacement, loss of livelihood, and access to essential resources. Findings suggest that while RANHAM has contributed to raising awareness of climate-related human rights issues, significant gaps remain in ensuring that climate justice principles are fully realized within the country’s broader human rights agenda. The paper calls for stronger integration of climate justice into RANHAM, emphasizing the need for a more rights-based approach to climate action that prioritizes the protection and empowerment of vulnerable communities.
Ecological Justice or Environmental Exclusion? The Impact of Renewable Energy Development on Indigenous Rights in Sulawesi
Aprila Niravita;
Ria Wulansarie;
Liyana Nabila
Indonesian Climate Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): July, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/mrgw9r28
This research critically examines the tension between ecological justice and environmental exclusion in the context of renewable energy development in Sulawesi, Indonesia. As the global push for clean energy intensifies, indigenous communities in Sulawesi have increasingly found their ancestral lands repurposed for renewable energy projects, such as hydroelectric dams, wind farms, and geothermal plants. This study explores the implications of these developments on indigenous land rights, environmental justice, and socio-economic equity. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines legal analysis, interviews with indigenous leaders, and field observations to assess the broader impacts of renewable energy policies on local communities. The findings reveal a significant gap between the state’s green energy agenda and the protection of indigenous rights, with many projects advancing without meaningful consultation or compensation. While renewable energy offers ecological benefits, its development has led to the displacement of indigenous peoples, loss of traditional livelihoods, and the erosion of cultural heritage. The study argues that without integrating indigenous rights into the renewable energy framework, these projects risk perpetuating environmental exclusion rather than promoting ecological justice. This research contributes to the growing discourse on the intersections of energy policy, indigenous rights, and environmental justice, offering policy recommendations for more inclusive and just approaches to renewable energy development.
Beneath the Surface: Exploring the Role of Gender in Indonesia’s Climate Justice Struggle through the Lens of Water Access
Pham Thi Lan Anh;
Kanya Suwan;
Manuel da Costa
Indonesian Climate Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): July, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/x2qqt494
This study explores the intersection of gender and climate justice in Indonesia, focusing on the unequal access to water resources in the context of climate change. Women, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, often bear the brunt of water scarcity, which is exacerbated by climate-induced changes such as shifting rainfall patterns, droughts, and extreme weather events. Through qualitative interviews and participatory research with local communities, the study investigates how gender shapes both vulnerability to and agency in responding to water crises. The research critically examines the role of women in water management, as well as the gendered impacts of policies aimed at climate adaptation and water resource governance. While men traditionally control water access and distribution, women play a crucial role in managing household water needs and advocating for sustainable water practices. The study argues that gender-sensitive approaches to climate justice are essential for equitable water access, and that policies must recognize and address the unique challenges faced by women in water-scarce regions. By highlighting the ways in which gender dynamics influence both vulnerability and resilience, the research contributes to the broader conversation on integrating social equity into climate justice frameworks, offering policy recommendations to ensure more inclusive and effective climate adaptation strategies in Indonesia.
Changing Tides: How Climate Change Threatens the Livelihoods of Fisherwomen in Bali
Wayan Supartha;
Ni Ketut Pertiwi;
Ana Maria Gomes
Indonesian Climate Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): July, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/eefcd070
This research examines the disproportionate impacts of climate change on the livelihoods of fisherwomen in Bali, Indonesia, a region where coastal communities are deeply reliant on marine resources. As global warming accelerates, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and shifting fish stocks are undermining the stability of fisheries, which in turn affects the socio-economic well-being of small-scale, artisanal fishers. While the broader discourse on climate change often focuses on male-dominated sectors such as agriculture and fishing, the specific challenges faced by women in the fishing industry remain largely underexplored. This study highlights how fisherwomen, who are involved in both the capture and post-capture processes (e.g., fish processing, marketing, and trade), are facing increased economic insecurity, as well as social marginalization, due to the decline in fish populations and the degradation of marine ecosystems. Drawing on interviews with fisherwomen, community leaders, and environmental experts, this research underscores the intersection of gender, economic vulnerability, and climate change. The findings reveal that while women in these communities possess vital knowledge and adaptive capacities, they are often excluded from decision-making processes regarding resource management and climate adaptation strategies. The study argues for the inclusion of gender-sensitive approaches in climate policies and sustainable fisheries management to ensure that the voices and needs of fisherwomen are addressed. This research contributes to the broader field of climate justice by highlighting the critical role of gender in shaping vulnerability and resilience in the face of climate change.
Water and Justice: Evaluating the 2004 Indonesian Water Resources Law in Protecting Vulnerable Communities from Climate-Induced Water Scarcity
Vu Minh Quang;
Huang Jun;
Andi Bhakti Dharmawan
Indonesian Climate Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): July, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/ss8pkb47
This study evaluates the effectiveness of the 2004 Indonesian Water Resources Law (Law No. 7/2004) in protecting vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate-induced water scarcity. As climate change intensifies, many regions in Indonesia are experiencing increased water stress due to altered rainfall patterns, droughts, and the depletion of freshwater resources. These challenges disproportionately affect marginalized groups, particularly in rural and indigenous communities, who rely heavily on local water sources for both domestic use and livelihood activities. The research critically examines how the 2004 Water Resources Law addresses the needs of these vulnerable communities, assessing its provisions on water allocation, access, and the role of local governance in ensuring equitable distribution. By combining legal analysis, policy review, and interviews with affected communities and water management officials, the study identifies gaps in the law’s implementation and enforcement that hinder its ability to provide comprehensive protection in the face of climate variability. The findings suggest that while the law outlines broad principles for water management and equity, it often falls short in ensuring that vulnerable groups have access to clean and sufficient water, especially during periods of water scarcity. The study calls for a more inclusive and adaptive legal framework that prioritizes the needs of marginalized communities and integrates climate resilience into water governance. This research contributes to the broader conversation on climate justice, advocating for reforms that enhance the legal protections for those most at risk from water scarcity in Indonesia.
Crisis in the Classroom: The Role of Climate Education in Shaping Indonesia’s Future Environmental Justice Movements
Chen Jie;
Syaiful Amin;
Rizki Priyanto;
Tajudeen Sanni
Indonesian Climate Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): July, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/d19ppe67
This research examines the critical role of climate education in shaping Indonesia’s future environmental justice movements. As climate change increasingly impacts the country, particularly its coastal and rural communities, the need for a well-informed citizenry capable of advocating for environmental justice has never been more urgent. This study focuses on how climate education within schools—ranging from primary to tertiary levels—affects students’ understanding of environmental issues and their ability to engage in climate activism. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines surveys, interviews with educators, and case studies from various regions of Indonesia, the research evaluates the current state of climate education in Indonesia’s formal education system and its potential to influence social movements. The findings suggest that while climate education is gaining traction in curricula, it remains unevenly implemented across different regions, particularly in rural or economically disadvantaged areas. Despite these challenges, students exposed to climate-focused education tend to show a stronger commitment to environmental justice principles, particularly in relation to issues of land rights, indigenous rights, and climate adaptation. The study argues that for Indonesia to effectively confront the dual challenges of climate change and social inequality, it is essential to integrate environmental justice into formal education, ensuring that future generations are not only climate literate but also equipped to take action. This research contributes to the broader discourse on climate education’s role in fostering sustainable and just societies.
The Green Economy vs. Indigenous Rights: A Study of the Indonesian Investment Law and Its Impact on Climate Justice
Muhammad Fadhil;
Siti Nur Aisyah;
Chong Wei Jin;
Hassan Ali;
Raudhah Ariffin
Indonesian Climate Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/s2pmr124
This research investigates the tension between the green economy agenda and indigenous rights in Indonesia, specifically through the lens of the Indonesian Investment Law (UU No. 25/2007) and its implications for climate justice. As Indonesia pushes for a transition toward a greener economy, the government has prioritized large-scale investments in renewable energy, infrastructure, and sustainable industries. However, these developments often intersect with the territories and livelihoods of indigenous communities, raising concerns about land rights, displacement, and the erosion of cultural heritage. The study critically analyzes how the Indonesian Investment Law, designed to attract foreign and domestic investments, interacts with environmental and social policies affecting indigenous peoples. Through a combination of legal analysis, field surveys, and interviews with indigenous leaders, environmental activists, and policymakers, this research examines the practical and legal challenges indigenous communities face in securing land rights amidst the push for green economic development. The findings highlight a fundamental conflict between the promotion of green economic policies and the protection of indigenous rights, with many communities reporting limited consultation, inadequate compensation, and negative environmental impacts resulting from large-scale green projects. The study argues that climate justice cannot be fully realized without integrating indigenous rights into the green economy framework, offering policy recommendations to ensure that indigenous voices are included in climate adaptation and sustainable development strategies. This research contributes to the broader discourse on balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity in Indonesia’s climate policy.
Eco-Justice in Indonesia’s Mining Law: The Indonesian Mining Law and Its Conflict with Climate Justice in Indigenous Territories
Rachana Somsak;
Amelia Johnson;
Nadia Putri
Indonesian Climate Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/jws85440
This study critically examines the Indonesian Mining Law (UU No. 4/2009) and its conflict with eco-justice and climate justice in indigenous territories. As Indonesia continues to be a global leader in mineral extraction, the mining sector plays a crucial role in the national economy. However, the implementation of the Mining Law has sparked significant debates regarding its environmental and social impacts, particularly on indigenous communities whose ancestral lands are often exploited for mining activities. This research explores how the law’s provisions—intended to regulate and promote responsible mining—interact with the environmental rights of indigenous peoples and the broader objectives of climate justice. Using a mixed-methods approach, which includes legal analysis, interviews with indigenous activists, and case studies of mining operations in resource-rich regions, the study evaluates the extent to which the Mining Law respects indigenous land rights, promotes environmental sustainability, and aligns with Indonesia’s climate commitments. The findings reveal that while the law includes certain measures for environmental protection, it fails to adequately address the rights of indigenous peoples and often allows for unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, exacerbating climate vulnerabilities in affected areas. This study argues that eco-justice, which includes the integration of indigenous rights in environmental governance, is crucial to achieving true climate justice. The research concludes with policy recommendations aimed at reconciling the goals of economic development, indigenous rights, and environmental protection in Indonesia’s mining sector.
Climate Change and Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous Adaptation Strategies in Papua and Their Legal Implications
Muhamamd Amrulllah;
Muzakki Akbar;
Jabulani Nkosi
Indonesian Climate Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/qke09z81
This research investigates the role of traditional knowledge in indigenous adaptation strategies to climate change in Papua, Indonesia, and explores the legal implications of recognizing and integrating these practices within national and international climate policy frameworks. Indigenous Papuans have developed unique, place-based knowledge systems to manage their environments and adapt to climate variability, including shifting weather patterns, changing agricultural cycles, and rising sea levels. This study examines how these traditional adaptation practices—ranging from sustainable farming techniques to water management systems—have helped communities cope with the impacts of climate change. Using qualitative research methods, including interviews with indigenous leaders, community members, and environmental activists, the research also critically assesses the extent to which these traditional knowledge systems are acknowledged and supported by the Indonesian legal system. The findings highlight a significant gap between the cultural value of indigenous knowledge and its legal recognition, particularly in the context of land rights, conservation practices, and climate adaptation policies. While Indonesia’s national climate policies increasingly emphasize participatory approaches, indigenous communities in Papua often face legal and institutional barriers that prevent them from fully utilizing their traditional knowledge in climate change adaptation. The study argues that incorporating indigenous knowledge into legal frameworks can enhance climate resilience while ensuring that indigenous rights are respected. The research concludes with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening legal protections for indigenous knowledge and promoting its integration into national climate strategies.
Urban Resilience or Environmental Racism? The Unequal Impact of Flooding in Jakarta’s Lower-Income Areas
Ethan Smith;
Karim Hossam;
Yusuf Hadi;
Budi Kurniawan Santosa
Indonesian Climate Justice Review Vol. 2 No. 4 (2025): October, 2025
Publisher : COLLEGIUM JUSTICIA INDONESIA
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DOI: 10.65815/0neaxx59
This research examines the unequal impacts of flooding on lower-income areas in Jakarta, Indonesia, exploring the intersection of urban resilience and environmental racism. Jakarta, one of the most rapidly urbanizing cities in Southeast Asia, is highly vulnerable to flooding due to a combination of climate change, poor urban planning, and socio-economic inequality. The study focuses on how flooding disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, where residents face greater risks due to inadequate infrastructure, limited access to resources, and historical neglect by local authorities. Using a combination of field surveys, interviews with residents, urban planners, and environmental experts, the research investigates the ways in which flooding exacerbates existing social inequalities, with a particular focus on the structural and racial factors contributing to the vulnerability of these communities. The findings highlight how systemic issues such as spatial segregation, discriminatory zoning policies, and lack of investment in low-income areas lead to an uneven distribution of flood risks. The study argues that while Jakarta’s urban resilience strategies may focus on broader city-wide measures, they often overlook the specific needs and rights of vulnerable populations. This research contributes to the growing discourse on environmental justice by shedding light on how climate impacts like flooding can perpetuate social and racial inequalities. The study concludes with policy recommendations to promote more inclusive and equitable flood management strategies that prioritize the needs of marginalized communities in Jakarta.