Corporate Liability in Environmental Pollution Cases: An Analysis of the Strict Liability Principle in Indonesian Jurisprudence

Grace L. D Lingga; Engeli Y Lumaing; Stince Sidayang

doi:10.55927/fjmr.v5i3.30

Authors

Grace L. D Lingga Universitas Negeri Manado
Engeli Y Lumaing Universitas Negeri Manado
Stince Sidayang Universitas Negeri Manado

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/fjmr.v5i3.30

Keywords:

Corporation Civil Liability, Environmental Pollution, Strict Liability, Judicial Disparity, UUPPLH

Abstract

This research analyzes corporate civil liability for environmental pollution under Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management (UUPPLH). Employing normative legal research through statute and case approaches, the study examines two liability regimes: fault-based liability under Article 87 and strict liability under Article 88. Four court decisions from two peatland fire cases involving PT Bumi Mekar Hijau and PT Waringin Agro Jaya, observed between 2015 and 2017, were analyzed to identify patterns of judicial disparity. Applying Hans Kelsen's theory of legal responsibility and Gustav Radbruch's theory of legal purposes, the findings reveal that the ambiguous phrase "serious threat to the environment" in Article 88 is the primary source of judicial inconsistency, simultaneously undermining legal certainty, utility, and substantive justice for environmental pollution victims.

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