The Urgency of Regulating the In Dubio Pro Natura Principle within the National Environmental Law System

M Haikal Atabiya(1email), Evi Retno Wulan(2)


(1) Fakuclty of Law, Universitas Narotama: Surabaya,, Indonesia orcid
(2) Fakuclty of Law, Universitas Narotama: Surabaya,, Indonesia
email Corresponding Author
CrossMark

Abstract


Introduction: This article examines the alleged corruption in tugboat service operations at Pangkalbalam Port between 2020 and 2022. The issue emerged from several vessels that were not charged tugboat service fees, raising suspicions of potential state losses. The case became a legal concern because service exemptions in state-owned port enterprises must comply strictly with national maritime regulations.

Purposes of the Research: The purpose of this study is to conduct a juridical analysis of whether the absence of tugboat service charges constitutes a corruption offense under Indonesian anti-corruption law. This research further seeks to clarify the legal classification of vessels subject to mandatory tug services and evaluate the regulatory compliance of port operators in determining service obligations.

Methods of the Research: This study applies a normative juridical method using statutory, case, and jurisprudential approaches. Data sources include case files, maritime transport laws, Ministerial Regulations on pilotage and towage services, internal tariff policies of PT Pelindo, and relevant court decisions. These legal materials are analyzed systematically to determine whether all elements of corruption and state financial loss are fulfilled based on applicable legislation.

Findings of the Research: The findings prove that the vessels exempted from tugboat service charges were legally categorized as non-mandatory tug vessels under Law Number 17/2008, Ministerial Regulation PM 57/2015, and PT Pelindo’s tariff policies. No elements of abuse of authority, illicit enrichment, or state financial loss were found; therefore, the case could not proceed to prosecution. This research offers novelty by clarifying vessel-classification mechanisms and recommending improved regulatory understanding for port operators.

Keywords


In Dubio Pro Natura; Environmental Law; Judicial Interpretation; Legal Certainty.


DOI


10.47268/tatohi.v5i11.3649

Published


2026-01-31

How To Cite


APA: Atabiya, M.H., & Wulan, E.R. (2026). The Urgency of Regulating the In Dubio Pro Natura Principle within the National Environmental Law System. TATOHI: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, 5(11), 536-543. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47268/tatohi.v5i11.3649.
IEEE: M.H. Atabiya, and E.R. Wulan, "The Urgency of Regulating the In Dubio Pro Natura Principle within the National Environmental Law System", TATOHI J. Ilmu Huk., vol. 5, no. 11, pp. 536-543, Jan. 2026. Accessed on: Feb. 9, 2026. [Online]. Available DOI: https://doi.org/10.47268/tatohi.v5i11.3649
Harvard: Atabiya, M.H., and Wulan, E.R., (2026). "The Urgency of Regulating the In Dubio Pro Natura Principle within the National Environmental Law System". TATOHI: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Volume 5(11), pp. 536-543. [Online]. Available DOI: https://doi.org/10.47268/tatohi.v5i11.3649 (Accessed on: 9 February 2026)
Chicago: Atabiya, M Haikal, and Evi Retno Wulan. "The Urgency of Regulating the In Dubio Pro Natura Principle within the National Environmental Law System." TATOHI: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum 5, no. 11 (January 31, 2026): 536-543. Accessed February 9, 2026. doi:10.47268/tatohi.v5i11.3649
Vancouver: Atabiya MH, Wulan ER. The Urgency of Regulating the In Dubio Pro Natura Principle within the National Environmental Law System. TATOHI J. Ilmu Huk. [Internet]. 2026 Jan 31 [cited 2026 Feb 9];5(11):536-543. Available from: https://doi.org/10.47268/tatohi.v5i11.3649
MLA 8th: Atabiya, M Haikal, and Evi Retno Wulan. "The Urgency of Regulating the In Dubio Pro Natura Principle within the National Environmental Law System." TATOHI: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, vol. 5, no. 11, 31 Jan. 2026, pp. 536-543, doi:10.47268/tatohi.v5i11.3649. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
BibTeX:
@article{TATOHI3649,
		author = {M Atabiya and Evi Wulan},
		title = {The Urgency of Regulating the In Dubio Pro Natura Principle within the National Environmental Law System},
		journal = {TATOHI: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum},
		volume = {5},
		number = {11},
		year = {2026},
		keywords = {In Dubio Pro Natura; Environmental Law; Judicial Interpretation; Legal Certainty.},
		abstract = {Introduction: This article examines the alleged corruption in tugboat service operations at Pangkalbalam Port between 2020 and 2022. The issue emerged from several vessels that were not charged tugboat service fees, raising suspicions of potential state losses. The case became a legal concern because service exemptions in state-owned port enterprises must comply strictly with national maritime regulations.Purposes of the Research: The purpose of this study is to conduct a juridical analysis of whether the absence of tugboat service charges constitutes a corruption offense under Indonesian anti-corruption law. This research further seeks to clarify the legal classification of vessels subject to mandatory tug services and evaluate the regulatory compliance of port operators in determining service obligations.Methods of the Research: This study applies a normative juridical method using statutory, case, and jurisprudential approaches. Data sources include case files, maritime transport laws, Ministerial Regulations on pilotage and towage services, internal tariff policies of PT Pelindo, and relevant court decisions. These legal materials are analyzed systematically to determine whether all elements of corruption and state financial loss are fulfilled based on applicable legislation.Findings of the Research: The findings prove that the vessels exempted from tugboat service charges were legally categorized as non-mandatory tug vessels under Law Number 17/2008, Ministerial Regulation PM 57/2015, and PT Pelindo’s tariff policies. No elements of abuse of authority, illicit enrichment, or state financial loss were found; therefore, the case could not proceed to prosecution. This research offers novelty by clarifying vessel-classification mechanisms and recommending improved regulatory understanding for port operators.},
				issn = {2775-619X},		pages = {536--543}			doi = {10.47268/tatohi.v5i11.3649},
				url = {https://fhukum.unpatti.ac.id/jurnal/tatohi/article/view/3649}
		}
		
RefWorks:

   


Arafah, Willy, Mella Ismelina, Anzori Tawakal, Andi Muhammad Yasin, and Markoni. Dilema Batu Bara: (Regulasi, Dampak Lingkungan Dan Transisi Energi Di Indonesia). Edited by Andi Syah Putra. 1st ed. Bengkulu: Sinar Jaya Berseri, 2025.

Arbain, and Arif Adiputra. Green Legislation Dalam Prolegnas 2020-2024. 1st ed. Jakarta: Pusat Kajian Parlemen Indonesia, 2024.

Asshiddiqie, Jimly. Green Constitution : Nuansa Hijau Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945. 1st ed. Jakarta: Rajawali Pers, 2009.

Birnie, Patricia W., Alan E. Boyle, and Catherine Redgwell. International Law and the Environment. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009.

Dama, Meylan. “Efektivitas Prinsip In Dubio Pro Natura Dalam Putusan Kasasi Karhutla (Studi Kasus PT Rafi Kamajaya Abadi).” JIRK : Journal of Innovation Research and Knowledge 4, no. 1 (2024): 4721–32.

Hamzah, Nur Alfiah. “Problematika Penerapan Asas Kehati-Hatian Dalam Pembuatan Akta Oleh Notaris Yang Melebihi Batas Kewajaran Di Kabupaten Klaten.” Universitas Islam Indonesia, 2021.

Hardjasoemantri, Koesnadi. Hukum Tata Lingkungan. Edited by Siti. 8th ed. Yogyakarta: Gadjah Mada University Press, 2017.

Isabella, Dhea Veranica, and Eka Nanda Ravizki. “Analisis Yuridis Pembuktian Tindak Pidana Lingkungan Hidup Yang Dilakukan Oleh Korporasi (Studi Putusan Nomor: 131/PID.B/2013/PN.MBO).” Jurnal Ilmiah Wahana Pendidikan 10, no. November (2024): 200–211.

Kisworo, Windu. “Aplikasi Prinsip-Prinsip Terkait Bukti Ilmiah (Scientific Evedence) Di Amerika Serikat Dalam Pembuktian Perkara Perdata Lingkungan Di Indonesia.” JUrnal Hukum Lingkungan Indonesia 5, no. 1 (2018): 24–59.

Marzuki, Peter Mahmud. Penelitian Hukum. Ketujuh Be. Jakarta: Kencana, 2023.

Nainggolan, Jenrison. “Penerapan Prinsip Kehati-Hatian (Precautionary Principles) Dalam Penggunaan Bukti Ilmiah (Scientific Evidence) Dalam Penyelesaian Sengketa Tun Lingkungan Hidup.” Ptun-Surabaya 1, no. 1 (2022): 1–14.

Natalis, Aga, Moh. Asadullah Hasan Al Asy’Arie, and Ahmad Ainun Najib. “Harmonizing Welfare State Principles and Pentahelix Collaboration: Pathways to Equitable Water Governance in Indonesia.” Natalis et Al /OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development 18, no. 11 (2025): 31–44.

Sands, Philippe, Jacqueline Peel, Adriana Fabra, and Ruth MacKenzie. Principles of International Environmental Law. 4th ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018.

Siddiq, Nakzim Khalid, and Lalu Achmad Fathoni. “The Role of the Prosecutor ’ s Office in Sustainable Development through Environmental Law Enforcement.” Indonesia Berdaya 6, no. 3 (2025): 619–26.

Sudiyanto, I Wayan, Loso Judijanto, Sri Misykat Azis, Janny Jovita Pakanan, and Fachrie Rezka Ayyub. Ekologi Dan Konservasi Lingkungan. Edited by Ida Kumala Sari. 1st ed. Jambi: Sonmedia, 2023.

Full Text: PDF

Article Metrics

Abstract View grafik : 3 times
PDF icon PDF Download : 0 times



 
Dublin Core PKP Metadata Items Metadata for this Document
 
1. Title Title of document The Urgency of Regulating the In Dubio Pro Natura Principle within the National Environmental Law System
 
2. Creator Author's name, affiliation, country M Haikal Atabiya; Fakuclty of Law, Universitas Narotama: Surabaya,; Indonesia orcid
 
2. Creator Author's name, affiliation, country Evi Retno Wulan; Fakuclty of Law, Universitas Narotama: Surabaya,; Indonesia
 
3. Subject Discipline(s)
 
3. Subject Keyword(s) In Dubio Pro Natura; Environmental Law; Judicial Interpretation; Legal Certainty.
 
4. Description Abstract Introduction: This article examines the alleged corruption in tugboat service operations at Pangkalbalam Port between 2020 and 2022. The issue emerged from several vessels that were not charged tugboat service fees, raising suspicions of potential state losses. The case became a legal concern because service exemptions in state-owned port enterprises must comply strictly with national maritime regulations.Purposes of the Research: The purpose of this study is to conduct a juridical analysis of whether the absence of tugboat service charges constitutes a corruption offense under Indonesian anti-corruption law. This research further seeks to clarify the legal classification of vessels subject to mandatory tug services and evaluate the regulatory compliance of port operators in determining service obligations.Methods of the Research: This study applies a normative juridical method using statutory, case, and jurisprudential approaches. Data sources include case files, maritime transport laws, Ministerial Regulations on pilotage and towage services, internal tariff policies of PT Pelindo, and relevant court decisions. These legal materials are analyzed systematically to determine whether all elements of corruption and state financial loss are fulfilled based on applicable legislation.Findings of the Research: The findings prove that the vessels exempted from tugboat service charges were legally categorized as non-mandatory tug vessels under Law Number 17/2008, Ministerial Regulation PM 57/2015, and PT Pelindo’s tariff policies. No elements of abuse of authority, illicit enrichment, or state financial loss were found; therefore, the case could not proceed to prosecution. This research offers novelty by clarifying vessel-classification mechanisms and recommending improved regulatory understanding for port operators.
 
5. Publisher Organizing agency, location Faculty of Law, Universitas Pattimura
 
6. Contributor Sponsor(s)
 
7. Date (YYYY-MM-DD) 2026-01-31
 
8. Type Status & genre Peer-reviewed Article
 
8. Type Type
 
9. Format File format PDF
 
10. Identifier Uniform Resource Identifier https://fhukum.unpatti.ac.id/jurnal/tatohi/article/view/3649
 
10. Identifier Digital Object Identifier 10.47268/tatohi.v5i11.3649
 
11. Source Title; vol., no. (year) TATOHI: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum; Volume 5 Issue 11, January 2026
 
12. Language English=en en
 
13. Relation Supp. Files
 
14. Coverage Geo-spatial location, chronological period, research sample (gender, age, etc.)
 
15. Rights Copyright and permissions

Copyright:

Authors who publish their manuscripts in this Journal agree to the following conditions:

1. The copyright in each article belongs to the author, as well as the right to patent.

2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.

3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.

4. Authors have the right to self-archiving of the article (Author Self-Archiving Policy)

 

Licence : TATOHI: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum is disseminated based on the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International license terms. This license allows anyone to copy and redistribute this material in any form or format, compose, modify, and make derivatives of this material for any purpose. You cannot use this material for commercial purposes. You must specify an appropriate name, include a link to the license, and certify that any changes have been made. You can do this in a way that is appropriate but does not imply that the licensor supports you or your use.

 

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License..

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2026 M Haikal Atabiya, Evi Retno Wulan

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.