Criminal Responsibility of Corporations in Criminal Actions of Environmental Pollution in Indonesia: A Case Study

Gustika Sandra; Rika  Damayanti; Muh. Bakri

Gustika Sandra Andi Sudirman University, Indonesia
Rika Damayanti Andi Sudirman University, Indonesia
Muh. Bakri Andi Sudirman University, Indonesia

Keywords: Criminal Liability Corporations, Absolute Liability, Environmental Law

Abstract

Corporate criminal liability in environmental pollution crimes in Indonesia. Corporations as subjects of criminal law have been recognized in Law No. 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management (UUPPLH). However, the application of criminal sanctions against corporations still faces challenges, especially in proving guilt and the effectiveness of sanctions. This study aims to analyze the legal basis, forms of accountability, and obstacles in the implementation of corporate criminal law in the environmental sector. The research method used in this study is normative juridical (legal research), namely research that focuses on examining the application of rules or norms in law. positive prevailing. The results of the study were obtained based on a Court decision regarding environmental pollution. In this case, the corporation was sentenced to a fine and required to repair the environmental damage. This case is evidence that corporations can be held criminally responsible in Indonesia. This study found several obstacles in the implementation of corporate criminal liability such as 1) Proving the element of fault, it is difficult to prove the intent or negligence of the corporation. 2) The effectiveness of sanctions or fines is often not commensurate with the environmental damage caused., 3) the existence of conflicts of interest so that law enforcement is weak due to economic and political interests. Suggestions to legal institutions are the need to increase the capacity of investigators in forensic audits and corporate law, strengthening the internal oversight system in enforcing legal accountability.

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