Steps to Obtaining an AMDAL in Surabaya for a Company

Environmental sustainability and compliance are critical considerations in today’s business landscape. To ensure the environmental impact of your operations is thoroughly assessed, obtaining an AMDAL (Analisis Mengenai Dampak Lingkungan) for your company is crucial.

This article will guide you through obtaining an AMDAL for your company in Surabaya, empowering you to navigate the regulatory requirements and demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility. 

The importance of AMDAL for companies in Surabaya

The purpose and objective of AMDAL (Environmental Impact Assessment) are to ensure the sustainable operation of businesses or development activities while preserving the environment. 

Legal basis for AMDAL

The legal basis for AMDAL is Government Regulation No. 27 of 2012, which replaced PP 27 of 1999, specifically related to AMDAL. According to the regulation, buildings that require these permits must have a land area of at least 5 hectares and a building area of at least 10,000 square meters. Determining which business plans or activities need an AMDAL is based on their potential for significant impacts. 

The size of these impacts can be measured using various factors outlined in BAPEDAL No. 54 of 1994, such as the number of affected individuals, the extent and duration of the impact, the intensity of the impact, the number of environmental components affected, the cumulative nature of the impact, and the reversibility or irreversibility of the impact. 

Additionally, uncertainty about the ability of available technology to mitigate significant negative impacts is also considered.

Read more: Requirements to Have AMDAL in Indonesia (Update 2023)

Understanding the AMDAL process in Surabaya

AMDAL plays a vital role in ensuring environmental compliance, promoting sustainability, engaging stakeholders, managing risks, enhancing reputation, and meeting legal requirements for companies operating in Surabaya. 

Facilitating responsible operations, minimizing environmental impacts, and contributing to the well-being of the community and environment, assists businesses in operating conscientiously.

The process to obtain AMDAL is generally quite simple. What follows is an elaboration of the steps to obtain an AMDAL permit:

1. Screening 

The screening process is mandatory and determines whether a proposed activity necessitates the preparation of an AMDAL. This process employs a one-step screening system.

2. Announcement 

The responsible institution and the activity initiator carry out the announcement process of plans to prepare AMDAL. The procedures and forms of announcement and procedures for submitting suggestions, opinions, and responses are regulated clearly under the Bapedal Regulations and must be adhered to. 

3. Scoping

Scoping is an initial step in ascertaining the range of concerns and recognizing notable hypothetical effects associated with a planned activity. Its objective is to define the boundaries of the study area and pinpoint significant environmental impacts. 

Scoping determines the extent of study required, outlines the scope of the study, and assesses other activities linked to the proposed activity. The outcome of the scoping process is the production of the document. It is essential to consider suggestions and input from the public during scoping.

4. KA-Andal preparation 

Andal is an Environmental Impact Analysis that is included in the AMDAL. Once the AMDAL document is prepared, the initiator can submit the documentation to the AMDAL Evaluation Commission for assessment. 

5. Andal, RKL and RPL preparation and assessment

The Environmental Management Plan (RKL) is a follow-up plan to manage the significant impacts caused by project activities. At the same time, the Environmental Monitoring Plan (RPL) is a tool to monitor environmental management outcomes.

The documents are then further processed for assessment by the AMDAL Commission. According to the regulations, the evaluation has a maximum time frame of 75 days, excluding the duration required by the compiler to make necessary corrections or refinements to the documents.

6. Environmental feasibility approval

The Minister, Governor, or Mayor passes an Environmental Feasibility Approval accordingly. The approval shall state the basis of the decision and the consideration of the opinions and inputs of the general public.

Steps to obtaining an AMDAL in Surabaya

The Ministry of Environment in Indonesia has regulations specifying the types of business activities that necessitate an environmental permit. The approval process for such a permit involves four stages:

• Drafting an AMDAL or UKL-UPL (Environmental Impact Assessment or Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan).
• Evaluating the AMDAL and UKL-UPL, followed by obtaining approval for the AMDAL or a recommendation for the UKL-UPL.
• Applying for an environmental permit.
• Submitting the permit application to the Ministry of Environment in Indonesia or the relevant provincial/city authorities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Indonesia’s AMDAL and environmental permitting process, including Surabaya, is crucial in ensuring businesses’ sustainable development. It serves as a framework for companies to assess, manage, and mitigate the potential environmental impacts of their activities.  

Companies demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship, legal compliance, and stakeholder engagement by complying with the requirements and obtaining environmental permits. The process helps protect the environment, preserve natural resources, and build positive relationships with local communities and other stakeholders. 

Ultimately, AMDAL and environmental permits contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious business landscape in Surabaya and promote the long-term well-being of the economy and the environment.
InCorp Indonesia provides services for environmental permits and company registration, which is seamless and efficient. Therefore, businesses can focus more on their core business activities while InCorp Indonesia (An Ascentium Company) arranges administrative matters.