A missing or incomplete AMDAL in Indonesia can delay environmental approval and affect the business licensing process under OSS-RBA. For projects with significant environmental impact, such as mining, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and forestry, an AMDAL is often a key requirement before the relevant license or operational approval can be granted.
This is why reviewing early in the project planning stage can help you stay on schedule and reduce licensing risks, giving you confidence in your process.
AMDAL, or Environmental Impact Analysis, is a required environmental study for certain business activities that may create significant environmental impact. It is regulated under Law No. 32 of 2009, Government Regulation (PP) No. 22 of 2021, and Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation (Permen LHK) No. 4 of 2021.
Today, AMDAL is no longer processed as a separate "environmental permit" (izin lingkungan). It forms part of Persetujuan Lingkungan, or Environmental Approval, which is connected to Indonesia's OSS-RBA business licensing system.
For activities that require an Environmental Impact Analysis, companies must complete the process before Environmental Approval can be issued and the relevant OSS-RBA licensing process can proceed.
For businesses with significant environmental impact, AMDAL is the key environmental instrument used to support Environmental Approval under OSS-RBA. Other activities may follow different environmental approval instruments, such as UKL-UPL or SPPL, depending on their scale, location, and level of impact.
| Instrument | Who Usually Needs It | Nature |
| AMDAL | Businesses with significant environmental impact, such as large-scale mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, or forestry projects | Full environmental impact study, including KA-ANDAL, ANDAL, and RKL-RPL |
| UKL-UPL | Businesses that do not require AMDAL but still need environmental management and monitoring | Standardized environmental management and monitoring document |
| SPPL | Businesses or activities outside AMDAL and UKL-UPL obligations | Self-declaration of environmental management and monitoring commitment |
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The process is now closely connected to OSS-RBA and Amdalnet. Before preparing documents, businesses must first confirm whether their activity requires AMDAL, UKL-UPL, or SPPL.
If Environmental Impact Analysis is required, the company must complete several steps before Environmental Approval can be issued.
The business checks whether its activity is listed in Permen LHK No. 4 of 2021 or screens it through Amdalnet. To facilitate this, clearly outline the key documents and data required for self-screening, enabling businesses to determine their environmental permit requirements from the start accurately.
KA-ANDAL is the terms of reference for the AMDAL study. It defines the scope of environmental impact analysis and is submitted for review.
ANDAL is the main environmental impact analysis, while RKL-RPL sets out the environmental management and monitoring plan. Qualified professionals should prepare these documents.
Affected communities and relevant stakeholders are allowed to provide input. Their feedback becomes part of the assessment process.
The Environmental Feasibility Assessment Team (TUK) reviews whether the proposed activity is environmentally feasible. If approved, the government issues the SKKL, which becomes the basis for Environmental Approval.
The timeline for preparing the documents depends on the project category:
| Category | Document Preparation Timeline |
| Category A | Up to 180 working days |
| Category B | Up to 120 working days |
| Category C | Up to 60 working days |
These timelines only refer to document preparation and do not include public consultation, assessment, or approval stages.
Preparing AMDAL in Indonesia can be complex, especially for businesses unfamiliar with environmental approval requirements, Amdalnet, and OSS-RBA integration. Common challenges include:
The requirements are based on several regulations, including Law No. 32 of 2009, PP No. 22 of 2021, and various Permen LHK regulations. These rules must be read together, and requirements may differ by sector, activity, and location.
Businesses need to confirm whether the approval process falls under the central, provincial, or regency/municipal government. Choosing the wrong route can delay the process.
Delays may occur when businesses are unfamiliar with the system, TUK requirements, document standards, or the process for sourcing certified consultants.
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Poorly prepared documents can lead to repeated revision cycles during the TUK assessment, extending the approval timeline.
Environmental Approval is linked to OSS-RBA, and an incomplete Environmental Impact Analysis can block the broader business licensing process, not just the environmental approval stage.
For activities that require an Environmental Impact Analysis, companies must complete the process before Environmental Approval can be issued, and the relevant OSS-RBA licensing process can proceed.
Ascentium Indonesia helps foreign investors identify the right environmental requirement, prepare the necessary documents, and manage the process with the relevant authorities.
Our support includes: