Protecting Environmental Defenders in Indonesia: Freedom of Expression, Strategic Litigation, and Anti-SLAPP Protection
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65815/p1yy6g34Keywords:
Environmental defenders, anti-SLAPP, freedom of expression, environmental justice, IndonesiaAbstract
Individuals and communities challenging environmentally harmful projects may face legal proceedings, intimidation, administrative sanctions, or other forms of pressure. Such risks can discourage public participation and undermine environmental governance. This article examines the protection of environmental defenders in Indonesia, focusing on freedom of expression, participation, and protection against strategic litigation. Using normative juridical and policy analysis, the study evaluates environmental law, procedural safeguards, freedom of expression, and anti-SLAPP mechanisms. The article argues that environmental defenders require effective protection because public participation is essential to environmental accountability. Legal mechanisms that allow powerful actors to burden critics with costly litigation may create a chilling effect even when claims ultimately fail. The study proposes a comprehensive anti-SLAPP framework incorporating early dismissal procedures, protection against retaliatory administrative measures, legal assistance, and remedies for abusive litigation. The article concludes that strengthening protection for environmental defenders would support both human rights and environmental governance by ensuring that citizens can raise legitimate concerns without disproportionate legal retaliation.
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