Intertextuality of the In Dubio Pro Natura Principle in Indonesia’s Environmental Protection

Abstract

This study examines the intertextuality of the In Dubio Pro Natura principle within the context of Indonesia’s environmental protection law. The principle, which dictates that any legal ambiguity should be interpreted in favor of nature, reflects an ecocentric shift in environmental jurisprudence. In Indonesia, where rapid economic development often conflicts with ecological preservation, this principle offers a normative foundation for sustainable justice. The research aims to analyze how In Dubio Pro Natura is articulated and applied in Indonesian environmental legislation, court decisions, and international legal commitments ratified by the state. Using a normative juridical method combined with an intertextual approach, this study explores the dialogical interaction between national legal norms, international principles, and ecological ethics. The findings indicate that while the spirit of In Dubio Pro Natura is reflected in several statutory provisions—such as the Environmental Protection and Management Act—its practical application remains limited due to anthropocentric interpretations of legal norms. The study concludes that reinforcing the intertextual presence of this principle in Indonesian legal reasoning is crucial for advancing substantive environmental justice and achieving intergenerational ecological sustainability.