Legal protection for coastal pollution from coal waste in making sustainable development

Abstract

Bengkulu is one of the provinces in Indonesia, which has the potential of coal resource potential. In an effort to utilize these resources, the Government has issued 100 licenses to several companies to undertake exploration and exploitation. Some companies are located in Central Bengkulu district. Activity of extracting and processing coal by 7 (seven) companies in the region has caused pollution and damage around Bengkulu River watershed. Pollution not only in upstream but also downstream of Bengkulu River watershed located in the coastal region of Bengkulu. In addition to causing damage to marine ecosystems and river waters, coal waste pollution also affects the socio-economic life of communities in coastal areas that mostly fishermen. In accordance with Article 28 H of the 1945 Constitution and Article 65 (1) of Law no. 32 In 2009, efforts should be made to protect coastal communities both preventive, preemptive and repressive. Legal protection of coastal communities should be done in a comprehensive manner both from the substance, structure and legal culture. From the aspect of legal substances have to be assessed and evaluated existing regulations relating to coal mining as a preventive instrument to protect the public. The institutional structure of the legal aspects need improvement for coordination and cooperation to build both formal and informal institutions in the protection of pre-emptive and repressive. Besides the aspects of the culture of pre-emptive legal action needs to be instructive to conduct training and empowerment to be able to develop self-potential, resources and the environment autonomously. By providing a comprehensive legal protection, the coal mining investment in the Province Bengku can support the creation of sustainable economic development and environmentally sound.Keywords: legal protection, coastal communities, pollution, sustainable development