Examining the recent environmental case in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, regarding the oil pipeline leak that had a major impact on the environment, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI), in collaboration with the Indonesian Maritime Center, held a maritime talk on the theme of “Marine Protection” on Thursday (26/4) at the Center of Excellence Building of FMIPA UI-PT. Pertamina, UI Depok Campus.
This activity presented two speakers, namely Dr. rer. nat Budiawan, a toxicology expert from the chemistry department of FMIPA UI and Prof. Melda Kamil Ariadno, SH, LL. M., Ph. D., an expert in the field of maritime law.
Dr. rer. nat. Budiawan explained the types of hazardous chemicals exposed by the pipe leak. The significant losses were felt primarily in the environmental impacts, as they caused the death of many biota. Referring to the Balikpapan case, he also presented several examples of similar environmental issues that have occurred in Indonesian and global waters, as well as how these problems can be addressed. One solution that has been implemented is bioremediation.
However, apart from the impact and how to overcome the pollution so that it is resolved quickly, on the other hand, there are things that need to be considered in the process of accountability for the case. Prof. Melda Kamil Ariadno, SH, LL. M., Ph. D explained several important points related to how the laws and regulations that serve as the basis for environmental cases, especially pollution in marine waters such as the Balikpapan case. Some references include UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), MARPOL (Marine Pollution) and CLC 1969, which are several studies and conferences that discuss regulations on problems at sea, including pollution.
Unfortunately, in Indonesia, marine policy is not yet sufficiently robust in regulating the condition of the archipelago’s marine waters, particularly regarding the legal and liability of marine polluters. According to Professor Melda, one weakness of the national marine policy is the lack of baseline data to provide a basis for information on the physical condition of the nation’s marine waters.
In addition, policies that regulate ship permits, both local and foreign, which may already be included in national maritime policies or other regulations, but are still minimal in their implementation, are also one of the factors that influence the minimal national maritime supervision.
