Indonesia’s regional governments are being urged to integrate environmental protection plans into their spatial planning revisions. The move aims to ensure future development aligns with ecological limits and promotes long-term sustainability, according to a statement released Friday.
Aligning Plans for Sustainability
Deputy Environment Minister Diaz Hendropriyono emphasized the importance of integrating the Environmental Protection and Management Plan (RPPLH) into regional spatial plans (RTRW). He stated, “RPPLH now has a legal foundation. The key is how to integrate it into the regional spatial plan (RTRW) so spatial policies truly consider environmental carrying and support capacity.”
Hendropriyono spoke during a discussion at the National Movement for the Development of Green and Blue Open Spaces, highlighting that stronger implementation of the RPPLH is crucial for sustainable regional development.
A Legal Framework for Environmental Protection
Government Regulation No. 26 of 2025 designates the RPPLH as a long-term planning document focused on environmental protection, utilization, and control, based on carrying and support capacities. This regulation positions the plan as a key reference for development and spatial planning at both national and regional levels, linking environmental safeguards with economic and infrastructure strategies.
Hendropriyono stressed that integration is essential to move beyond simply expanding physical infrastructure and to prioritize the protection of ecosystems for future generations.
The Environment Ministry has developed technical tools to support regional administrations, including an environmental services map that covers approximately 25 types of ecosystem services. This mapping tool will allow local governments to more accurately assess ecological functions, such as water source protection, flood mitigation, carbon absorption, and climate regulation.
Revisions to regional spatial plans should too prioritize the protection of sustainable agricultural land to limit land conversion, Hendropriyono added. This revision process presents an opportunity to align spatial planning with both environmental protection and food security policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RPPLH?
The RPPLH is the Environmental Protection and Management Plan, a long-term planning document outlining environmental protection, utilization and control based on carrying and support capacities.
What is the role of Government Regulation No. 26 of 2025?
Government Regulation No. 26 of 2025 provides the legal foundation for the RPPLH and designates it as a reference for development and spatial planning at both national and regional levels.
What tools are available to help regional administrations?
The Environment Ministry has prepared technical instruments, including an environmental services map covering about 25 types of ecosystem services, to assist regional administrations.
How will prioritizing environmental integration into spatial planning affect future development in Indonesia?
