What Is AMDAL? Definition, Purpose, and Complete Procedure 2025

Definition of AMDAL

AMDAL (Environmental Impact Assessment) is a study of the significant impacts of a planned business and/or activity on the environment. AMDAL is required for decision-making regarding the operation of businesses and/or activities.

Based on Law Number 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, AMDAL serves as an instrument for preventing environmental pollution and/or damage.

Legal Basis for AMDAL

The main regulations governing AMDAL in Indonesia include:

• Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management

• Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 on the Implementation of Environmental Protection and Management

• Minister of Environment Regulation No. 4 of 2021 on the List of Businesses and/or Activities Requiring AMDAL, UKL-UPL, or SPPL

• Law No. 6 of 2023 (Job Creation) which updated several AMDAL-related provisions

Purpose of AMDAL Preparation

AMDAL aims to:

1. Identify environmental impacts — Determine the potential positive and negative impacts of an activity on the surrounding environment

2. Develop mitigation plans — Create management plans to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive impacts

3. Ensure sustainability — Ensure development aligns with sustainable development principles

4. Fulfill regulations — As a mandatory requirement for business licensing through the OSS-RBA system

Who Is Required to Prepare AMDAL?

The obligation to prepare AMDAL applies to businesses/activities that meet the following criteria:

• Alter landscape or landforms

• Exploit natural resources, both renewable and non-renewable

• Cause pollution, environmental damage, or natural resource degradation

• Affect the natural, built, social, and cultural environment

• Cause impacts on natural resource conservation areas

Components of AMDAL Documents

AMDAL documents consist of several main components:

1. Terms of Reference (KA)

A document containing the scope of the AMDAL study, including determination of significant impacts to be examined.

2. Environmental Impact Statement (Andal)

A careful and in-depth analysis of significant impacts from the planned business/activity.

3. Environmental Management Plan (RKL)

A plan for managing environmental impacts generated by the activity.

4. Environmental Monitoring Plan (RPL)

A plan for monitoring environmental components affected by the impacts.

AMDAL Preparation Procedure

The general stages of AMDAL preparation include:

1. Application submission — The proponent registers the planned activity through the OSS system

2. KA Form preparation — The preparation team develops terms of reference containing the study plan

3. Public consultation — Involving affected communities and stakeholders

4. Andal and RKL-RPL preparation — The expert team conducts an in-depth study based on the approved KA

5. Assessment by the Feasibility Test Team — Documents are assessed by a government-appointed team

6. Issuance of Environmental Approval — If deemed feasible, an environmental feasibility decree is issued

How Long Does the AMDAL Process Take?

The AMDAL preparation process generally requires 4-12 months, depending on:

• Project scale and complexity

• Availability of environmental baseline data

• Public consultation process

• Speed of assessment by the review team

Why Choose a Professional AMDAL Consultant?

AMDAL preparation must be carried out by a Licensed Document Preparation Agency (LPJP) with certification. The preparation team must also hold KTPA (AMDAL Team Leader) or ATPA (AMDAL Team Member) certification.

Izin AMDAL, part of PT. Bintang Tsuroyya Bersinar, has a fully certified expert team with experience handling 500+ projects across Indonesia. We are ready to help you from initial consultation to the issuance of environmental approval.