Climate Change Litigation in Indonesia: Assessing the Role of Courts in Protecting the Human Rights of Climate-Vulnerable Communities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65815/c1jxbb90Keywords:
Climate litigation, human rights, climate justice, Indonesian courts, vulnerable communitiesAbstract
Climate change increasingly affects Indonesian communities through flooding, coastal erosion, extreme weather, ecosystem degradation, and livelihood disruption. As government policies and corporate activities contribute to climate-related risks, litigation may become an important mechanism for affected communities seeking accountability and protection. This article examines the emerging role of climate litigation in Indonesia from a human rights perspective. Using normative juridical research and comparative legal analysis, the study evaluates constitutional rights, environmental law, state obligations, corporate responsibility, and judicial remedies. The article argues that climate litigation can strengthen accountability when courts interpret environmental protection in conjunction with rights to health, livelihood, housing, and a safe environment. However, effective climate litigation requires accessible standing rules, appropriate evidentiary standards, judicial expertise, and meaningful remedies. The study proposes a rights-based climate litigation framework emphasizing prevention, accountability, restoration, and protection of vulnerable communities. The article concludes that Indonesian courts have the potential to contribute significantly to climate governance by ensuring that public authorities and private actors comply with legal and human rights obligations associated with climate-related harm.
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