Understanding DELH and DPLH
Many businesses in Indonesia were already operating before AMDAL or UKL-UPL requirements took effect. To ensure environmental compliance, the government provides a transition mechanism through DELH and DPLH.
What Is DELH?
DELH (Environmental Evaluation Document) is a document required for businesses/activities that:
Already had a business permit before AMDAL requirements took effect
Do not have an AMDAL document
The activity falls under the criteria for mandatory AMDAL
DELH is essentially a "retrospective AMDAL" — an environmental impact evaluation for activities that are already ongoing.
DELH Components:
Evaluation of environmental impacts that have occurred
Inventory of management efforts already carried out
Future environmental management plan
Environmental monitoring plan
What Is DPLH?
DPLH (Environmental Management Document) is a document with a similar concept but for a smaller scale:
Intended for businesses that do not have UKL-UPL
Activities were already operating before UKL-UPL requirements existed
Falls under the criteria for mandatory UKL-UPL but not mandatory AMDAL
DPLH can be analogized as a "retrospective UKL-UPL."
Differences Between DELH and DPLH
| Aspect | DELH | DPLH |
|---|---|---|
| Equivalent to | AMDAL | UKL-UPL |
| Impact scale | Significant/large | Not significant |
| Preparer | Certified LPJP | Proponent/consultant |
| Assessed by | Feasibility Test Team | Environmental agency |
| Complexity | High | Medium |
| Cost | Higher | More affordable |
Why Are DELH/DPLH Important?
1. Legal Obligation
Businesses that meet criteria for mandatory AMDAL/UKL-UPL but do not have environmental documents are required to prepare DELH/DPLH. Not having these documents can result in:
Business permit revocation
Administrative fines
Environmental criminal prosecution
Operational shutdown
2. Permit Renewal Requirement
Many regions require environmental documents for operational permit renewal. Without DELH/DPLH, the renewal process can be delayed.
3. Environmental Due Diligence
For companies looking to merge, acquire, or obtain funding, environmental documents are an important part of due diligence conducted by investors.
4. Social Responsibility
Having environmental documents demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainable development and responsibility to surrounding communities.
DELH Preparation Process
Activity inventory — Documenting all operational activities and their impacts
Environmental data collection — Sampling water, air, and soil quality around the location
Impact evaluation — Analysis of impacts that have occurred and those still ongoing
RKL-RPL preparation — Future management and monitoring plans
Assessment — Presentation before the Feasibility Test Team
Approval — Issuance of Environmental Approval
DPLH Preparation Process
Activity description — Description of the business/activity that has been running
Impact identification — Environmental impacts that have and are still occurring
Management efforts — Future impact mitigation plans
Monitoring efforts — Periodic environmental monitoring mechanisms
Review — Review by the regional environmental agency
Issuance — Approval or improvement recommendations
Who Needs to Process DELH/DPLH Immediately?
You need to prepare DELH/DPLH immediately if:
✅ Business has been running since before 2012 (before PP 27/2012)
✅ Do not have AMDAL or UKL-UPL documents
✅ Activity is on the list of mandatory AMDAL or UKL-UPL
✅ Will be conducting business permit renewal
✅ Requested by the regional Environmental Agency
Tips for DELH/DPLH Processing
Don't delay — The longer you delay, the harder it is to collect historical data
Collect management evidence — Photos, reports, and records showing environmental management efforts already carried out
Inventory changes — Record all activity changes from the beginning of operations
Coordinate with the Environmental Agency — Active communication to understand specific regional requirements
Use experienced consultants — DELH/DPLH requires retroactive evaluation expertise that differs from regular AMDAL/UKL-UPL
Izin AMDAL has extensive experience in DELH and DPLH preparation for various industry sectors. Contact us for consultation and evaluation of your business's environmental document needs.
