KnE Social Sciences

Published date: Oct 29 2025

Journal Title: KnE Social Sciences

Issue title: The 8th Legal International Conference and Studies (LICS 2025): Integrating Climate Change and Biodiversity into National & International Legislation—Harmonizing Knowledge

Pages: 560 - 570

DOI: 10.18502/kss.v10i26.20034

Pandang SilalahiPandang.std@unissula.ac.idDoctor of Law Program, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung (UNISSULA), Semarang

The enforcement of criminal law in Indonesia’s environmental and plantation sectors often fails to uphold the principle of substantive justice. Despite existing legal frameworks that regulate environmental protection and community rights, implementation faces significant challenges, such as weak sanctions for corporate offenders, conflicts of interest, and injustices toward indigenous communities. This paper analyzes the application of substantive justice in environmental criminal law enforcement through a normative and sociological legal approach, supported by case studies such as forest fires and indigenous land encroachment. The findings emphasize the need for regulatory reform, institutional strengthening, recognition of indigenous rights, and active participation of civil society in legal oversight. Policy recommendations include legal harmonization, restorative-based sanctions, and preventive approaches to achieve sustainable ecological justice.

Keywords: criminal, environmental, justice, law, substantive

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