DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/lr.v21i2.69408

Public Participation in Social Impact Assessment: Comparative Human Rights Legal Approaches in Malaysia and Indonesia

*Nur Atheefa Sufeena M Suaree orcid scopus  -  Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Muhamad Nafi Uz Zaman orcid scopus  -  Faculty of Law, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia
Open Access Copyright 2025 LAW REFORM under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.

Citation Format:
Abstract

The Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is a widely used tool, including in Malaysia and Indonesia, for determining the potential positive or negative impacts of development projects in areas close to communities. The main goal of an SIA is to mitigate negative impacts and protect affected communities. Public participation is a key element of the SIA process and is strictly adhered to as a means of protecting human rights. Through doctrinal research utilising a qualitative methodology and comparative analysis of library resources, this paper aims to examine the implementation of human rights within the public participation mechanisms of these two countries. This fundamental right enables the public, particularly those affected, to contribute to the decision-making process. Both Malaysia and Indonesia share this objective, aligning with global efforts to uphold human rights in development contexts. However, in terms of SIA institutions and procedures, the two countries have distinct mechanisms. It can be concluded that both Indonesia and Malaysia have structured public participation as a multi-stage process within the SIA framework, albeit sometimes merely as a procedural formality. To uphold the dignity of affected communities, this paper recommends that Malaysia and Indonesia must move beyond procedural compliance and embrace genuine, rights-based engagement at every stage of development planning.

Fulltext View|Download
Keywords: Public Participation; Human Rights; SIA; Malaysia; Indonesia

Article Metrics:

Article Info
Section: Research Article
Language : EN
Recent articles
An Analysis of the Synchronization Between the Military Penal Code and Law Number 1 of 2023 on the Indonesian Criminal Code in the Sentencing System Legal Protection Model for Superior Village Products Based on Digital Transformation and the Role of Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) Legal Reform of Wastewater Management under the Job Creation Law in Kendari City: Between Regulatory Conflict and Environmental Ethics More recent articles
Most cited articles
IMPLEMENTASI PENILAIAN KEBARUAN DAN PRINSIP ITIKAD BAIK DALAM PERLINDUNGAN DESAIN INDUSTRI PENGATURAN KAWASAN KESELAMATAN OPERASI PENERBANGAN : STUDI TENTANG PELAKSANAAN KEWENANGAN PEMERINTAH DAERAH DALAM MENGENDALIKAN PEMBANGUNAN DAN BENDA TUMBUH DI KAWASAN KESELAMATAN OPERASI PENERBANGAN BANDAR UDARA AHMAD YANI SEMARANG URGENSI REKONSTRUKSI HUKUM E-COMMERCE DI INDONESIA COUNTER TERRORISM BAGI PELAKU TINDAK PIDANA TERORISME SEBAGAI UPAYA PENANGGULANGAN KEJAHATAN TERORISME DI INDONESIA PERLINDUNGAN HUKUM TERHADAP KONSUMEN DALAM TRANSAKSI E-COMMERCE More cited articles
  1. Absori, A., Bangsawan, M. I., Budiono, A., & Disemadi, H. S. (2022). Legal Policy on Eco-Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Development. Diponegoro Law Review, 7(2),312-327. https://doi.org/10.14710/dilrev.7.2.2022.312-327
  2. Akerboom, S., & Craig, R. K. (2022). How law structures public participation in environmental decision making: A comparative law approach. Environmental Policy and Governance, 32(3), 232–246. https://doi.org/10.1002/eet.1986
  3. Anuar, H. M., Wahab, H. A., & Nurli, Y. (2020). Pencemaran Alam Sekitar Dan Pendekatan Mahkamah Hijau (Environment Pollution and the Green Court Approaches). Jurnal Undang-Undang dan Masyarakat, 27, 46–54. https://doi.org./10.17576/juum-2020-27-05
  4. Aswandi, B., & Roisah, K. (2019). Negara Hukum Dan Demokrasi Pancasila Dalam Kaitannya Dengan Hak Asasi Manusia (HAM). Jurnal Pembangunan Hukum Indonesia,1(1),128-45. https://doi.org/10.14710/jphi.v1i1.128-145
  5. Bonilla-Alicea, R. J., & Fu, K. (2019). Systematic Map of the Social Impact Assessment Field. Sustainability, 11(15), 4106. https://doi.org/10.3390/SU11154106
  6. Burdge, R. J., & Robertson, R. A. (1990). Social Impact Assessment and the Public Involvement Process. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 10(1–2), 81–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/0195-9255(90) 90008-N
  7. Craik, N. (2020). The duty to cooperate in the customary law of environmental impact assessment. International and Comparative Law Quarterly, 69(1), 239–259. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020589319000459
  8. Delabre, I., & Okereke, C. (2020). Palm Oil, Power, and Participation: The Political Ecology of Social Impact Assessment. Environment and Planning E: Nature and Space,3(3),642–62. https://doi.org/10.1177/2514848619882013
  9. Delyarahmi, S., & Murniwati, R. (2023). Peran Serta Masyarakat Dalam Penyusunan Analisis Mengenai Dampak Lingkungan Dalam Rangka Perlindungan Hak Atas Lingkungan Hidup. UNES Journal of Swara Justisia,7(3),1082. https://doi.org/10.31933/ujsj.v7i2.355
  10. Dokubo, O. I., Radulescu, M. A., & Squintani, L. (2024). What law does not understand about Public Participation. Heliyon,10(11). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32001
  11. Ed, VT. (1967). United Nations: International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. American Journal of International Law, 61(3),870–87. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0002930000101204
  12. Esteves, A. M., Farnks, D., & Vanclay, F. (2012). Social Impact Assessment: The State of the Art. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal,30(1),34–42. https://doi.org/10.1080/14615517.2012.660356
  13. Evendi,R. H. (2024). Rempang Eco City: Hak Asasi Manusia Dan Ego Pemerintah. UNES Law Review, 6(4), 10945–10954. https://doi.org/10.31933/unesrev.v6i4
  14. Farida, E. (2025). Empowering Indonesian Migrant Workers: Human Rights-Based Legal Protection Through Village Regulations and Bilateral Agreements. Journal of Southeast Asian Human Rights, 9(1), 122-146
  15. https://doi.org/10.19184/jseahr.v9i1.53034
  16. Farida, E., Rahayu, R., Mahfud, M. A., Wibawa, K. C. S., & Ilmy, N. A. (2025). State responsibility and victim protection: an evaluation of non-judicial measures for human rights violations in Indonesia. Cadernos de Dereito Actual, (27),75-109. https://www.cadernosdedereitoactual.es/index.php/cadernos/article/view/1325
  17. Fitzmaurice, M. (2002). Some Reflections on Public Participation in Environmental Matters as a Human Right in International Law. Non-State Actors and International Law,2(1),1-22. https://doi.org/10.1163/157180702400453238
  18. Gulakova, I., Vanclaya, F., Ignatevb, A., & Arts, J. (2020). Challenges in Meeting International Standards in Undertaking Social Impact Assessment in Russia. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 83(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2020.106410
  19. Hassim, J. Z., & Mohamad, M. (2024). Foreign Workers and Human Rights Violations: Malaysia’s Response to COVID-19 and The Way Forward. Jurnal Undang-undang dan Masyarakat, 34(1), 49–63. https://doi.org/10.17576/juum-2024-3401-04
  20. Herlina, N., & Supriyatin, U. (2021). AMDAL Sebagai Instrumen Pengendalian Dampak Lingkungan Dalam Pembangunan Berkelanjutan Dan Berwawasan Lingkungan. Jurnal Ilmiah Galuh Justisi, 9(2),204. https://doi.org/10.25157/justisi.v9i2.5610
  21. Hughes-Jennett, J. (2019). What Role for Human Rights in Business?. The Political Quarterly,90,457-461. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-923X.12710
  22. Hutauruk, R. H., Febriyani, E., Nurlaily, N., Anwar, P., & Fitri, W. (2025). Legal Reconstruction of Environmental Protection and Human Rights in the Context of Climate Resilience. Jurnal Pembangunan Hukum Indonesia, 7(2),180-198. https://doi.org/10.14710/jphi.v7i2.1-19
  23. Imperiale, A. J., & Vanclay, F. (2023). From project-based to community-based social impact assessment: New social impact assessment pathways to build community resilience and enhance disaster risk reduction and climate action. Current Sociology,72(4),697-717. https://doi.org/ 10.1177/00113921231203168
  24. Kontesa, E., & Fernando, Z. J. (2024). Reclaiming Our Roots: Agrarian Law’s Battle Against Land Grabbing. Lex Scientia Law Review, 8(2),945-84. https://doi.org/10.15294/lslr.v8i2.10681
  25. Loh, I. H., Kamarudin, M. K. A., Lian, C. J., Umar, R., & Yii, L. C. (2023). Public Participation in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Law in Malaysia: A Critical Analysis. Planning Malaysia, 21(1), 101–15. https://doi.org/10.21837/PM.V21I25.1227
  26. Makmor, M., Salleh, H., & Nordin, N. A. (2020). Public Participation Assessment For Environmental Impact Assessment in Malaysia, Canada and New Zealand. Journal of Architcture, Planning and Construction Management, 10(1), 16–30. https://doi.org/10.31436/japcm.v10i1.386
  27. Mardiyanto, I., & Hidayatulloh, H. (2023). The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) Concept as an Attempt for Protection of Human Rights in International Humanitarian Law Context. Volksgeist: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum dan Konstitusi, 6(1),103–118. https://doi. org/10.24090/volksgeist.v6i1.7229
  28. Muchlinski, P. (2021). The Impact of the UN Guiding Principles on Business Attitudes to Observing Human Rights. Business and Human Rights Journal, 6(2), 212–26. https://doi.org/10.1017/bhj.2021.14
  29. Mustafa, M., Hamid, Z. A., Kwan, S. C., & Sahani, M. (2021). Analysis of Domestic Legal Framework Based on International Law Towards Children’s Environmental Protection. Jurnal Undang-Undang dan Masyarakat, Special issue, 21–36. https://doi.org/10.17576/juum-2021-si-03
  30. Palerm, J. (1999). Public participation in environmental decision making: examining the aarhus convention. Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, 01(02), 229–244. https://doi.org/10.1142/S146433329900017X
  31. Prihandono, I., & Religi, F. H. (2019). Business and Human Rights Concerns in the Indonesian Textile Industry. Yuridika, 34(3),493–526. https://doi.org/10.20473/ydk.v34i3.14931
  32. Priyono, E. A. (2017a). Batang Steam Power Plant, The Struggle of Interests Between The Central Government And The Local Community. Diponegoro Law Review, 2(1), 141-153. https://doi.org/10.14710/dilrev.2. 1.2017.141-153
  33. Priyono, FX. J. (2017b). Law Enforcement of Electrical And Electronic Waste Smuggling In Batam, Indonesia. Diponegoro Law Review,2(1),40-56. https://doi.org/10.147 10/dilrev.2.1.2017.40-56
  34. Putri, F. D., & Purwanti, A. (2018). Legal Politics in The Amendment of Regional Head Electoral Law. Diponegoro Law Review, 3(1),122-131. https://doi.org/10.14710/dilrev.3.1.2018.122-131
  35. Riyanto, M., & Kovalenko, V. (2023). Partisipasi Masyarakat Menuju Negara Kesejahteraan: Memahami Pentingnya Peran Aktif Masyarakat dalam Mewujudkan Kesejahteraan Bersama. Jurnal Pembangunan Hukum Indonesia, 5(2),374-88. https://doi.org/10.14710/jphi.v5i2.374-388
  36. Rosser, A. (2015). Realising Rights in Low Quality Democracies: Instructive Asian Cases. Asian Studies Review, 39(2), 180–193. https://doi.org/10.1080/10357823.2015.1024099
  37. Ruppel, O. C., & Houston, L. J. (2023). The Human Right to Public Participation in Environmental Decision-Making: Some Legal Reflections. Environmental Policy and Law, 53(2–3), 125–38. https://doi.org/10.3233/EPL-239 001
  38. Sari, A. C. F. (2024). Proyek Strategis Nasional Bernama Food Estate: Ancaman Otonomi Petani dan Keragaman Sumber Pangan Lokal di Desa Umbu Mamijuk, Sumba Tengah. Jurnal Pembangunan Hukum Indonesia,6(3),352-375. https://doi.org/10.14710/jphi.v6i3.352-375
  39. Sitompul, A. T. (2022). Job Creation Law’s Risk Towards Investment Efficiency and Business Convenience Regarding the Environment. Administrative And Environmental Law Review, 3(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.25041/aelr.v3i1.2339
  40. Suaree, N. A. S. M., Kader, S. Z. S. A., & Osman, M. M. (2024a). The Implementation of Public Participation for SIA and EIA in Malaysia. Planning Malaysia, 22(1), 13–23. https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v22i30.1420
  41. Suaree, N. A. S. M., Kader, S. Z. S. A., & Osman, M. M. (2024b). Social Impact Assessment: A Comparison of The Legal Frameworks in Malaysia and New Zealand. Planning Malaysia,22(4),184–97. https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v22i33.1542
  42. Suaree, N. A. S. M., Kader, S. Z. S. A., Osman, M. M., & Manaf, Z. I. A. (2022). The Development of Policy and Legal Framework for Social Impact Assessment in Malaysia. Planning Malaysia, 20(3), 295–305. https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v20i22.1146
  43. Suprapto, R. A. (1990). Social Impact Assessment and Planning: The Indonesian Experience. Impact Assessment, 8(1–2), 25–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/07349165.1990.9726026
  44. Tarigan, D. G. N. (2023). Effectiveness of AMDAL Implementation in Protecting Environmental Damage Due to Industrial. Communale Journal, 1(3), 150–59. https://doi.org/10.22437/communale.v1i3.30375
  45. Turisno, B. E., & Dewi, I. G. A. G. S. (2021). Impact of coastal reclamation on environmental sustainability and tourism-based economy on the north coast of java. International Journal of Criminology and Sociology, 10, 695-702. https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409. 2021.10.82
  46. Turisno, B. E., Dewi, I. G. A. G. S., Mahmudah, S., & Soemarmi, A. (2021). Recovery policy and proper management of mangrove forests to preserve environmental sustainability and ecotourism in bangkalan Indonesia. Journal of Environmental Management and Tourism, 12(8), 2188-2193. https://doi.org/10.14505/jemt.v12.8(56).17
  47. Vanclay, F. (2003). International Principles For Social Impact Assessment. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 21(1), 5–12. https://doi.org/10.3152/1471546037 81766491
  48. Vanclay, F. (2024). After 50years of Social Impact Assessment, Is It Still Fit for Purpose?. Current Sociology Monograph, 72(4),774–788. https://doi.org/10.1177/00113921231203189
  49. Wagner, I., & Suteki, S. (2019). Independensi Penilaian Amdal Sebagai Wujud Perlindungan Terhadap Lingkungan Hidup. Jurnal Pembangunan Hukum Indonesia, 1(3),404-24. https://doi.org/10.14710/jphi.v1i3.404-424
  50. Wardana, K. A., Rahayu, R., & Sukirno, S. (2024). Redefining Indonesia’s Blasphemy Law In The Digital Age: A Human Rights Perspective. Diponegoro Law Review, 9(1), 19-35. https://doi.org/10.14710/dilrev.9.1.2024.19-35
  51. Zhao, Y., & Butcher, B. (2022). Coming to terms with public participation in decision making: Balancing clarity and impact in the Aarhus Convention. Review of European, Comparative and International Environmental Law, 31(2), 210–221. https://doi.org/10.1111/reel.12437
  52. Zuvarcan, D. A., Yuspin, W., & Budiono, A. (2025). Qualitative Study Of Fraud In Health Services And Legal Framework In Indonesia:A Literature Review. Diponegoro Law Review, 10(1), 42-53. https://doi.org/10.14710/dilrev.10.1.2025.42-53
  53. Ishak, I. C., Johari, A.A., Mazlan, N., & Ismail. S.B. (2018). The Correlation between Management Approaches towards Oil Spill Preparedness and Response: A Case Study in Lumut, Perak, Malaysia. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2020(1). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.5062683
  54. Adhinegara, B. Y., Utomo, W. T., ARizqiana, A., & Refani, F. (2023). Kawasan Industri Hijau Kalimantan Utara Tercemar PLTU Batubara: Dampak Ekonomi, Konflik Kepentingan, Dan Ancaman Lingkungan Hidup. Jakarta: Celios
  55. CREA & CELIOS. (2024). Membantah Mitos Nilai Tambah, Menilik Ulang Industri Hilirisasi Nikel: Dampak Ekonomi Dan Kesehatan Dari Industri Nikel Di Sulawesi Tengah, Sulawesi Tenggara, Dan Maluku Utara. Jakarta: Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and Center for Economic and Law Studies
  56. Hartono, M. D., Reswanto, H., Nike, D., Farikhati, N., Pratama, A., Wardanti, U. P., & Hekmatiar, H. (2024). Dampak Proyek Strategis Nasional Terhadap Hak Asasi Manusia. Jakarta: Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia
  57. Matthews, J. A. (2014). Social Impact Assessment (SIA). in Encyclopedia of Environmental Change. New York: SAGE Publications, Ltd
  58. UNHCR. (2013). The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions. Geneva: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
  59. CNN Indonesia. (2023). Deret Fakta Proyek Rempang Eco City Versi Pemerintah. Retrieved from https://www.cnnindonesia. com/ekonomi/20230914113813-92-998956/deret-fakta-proyek-rempang-eco-city-versi-pemerintah
  60. Gokkon, B. (2018). Indonesia to strengthen environmental impact assessments through process review. Retrieved from https://news.mongabay.com/2018/01/indonesia-to-strengthen-environmental-impact-assessments-through-process-review/
  61. Noviantika, T. (2023). Hak Atas Pembangunan: Refleksi Dari Konflik Agraria Rempang Dan Proyek Strategis Nasional (PSN). Retrieved from https://law.ugm.ac.id/hak-atas-pembangunan-refleksi-dari-konflik-agraria-rempang-dan-proyek-strategis-nasional-psn/)
  62. Zazali, A. (2023). Perspektif Bisnis dan HAM Kasus Rempang Eco City. Retrieved from https://harianmetropolitan.co.id/2023/09/12/perspektif-bisnis-dan-ham-kasus-rempang-eco-city/
  63. UNECE. (2025). Aarhus Convention: Introduction.United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Retrieved from https://unece.org/environment-policy/public-participation/aarhus-convention/introduction
  64. Cakra Wikara Indonesia. (2023). Konflik Rempang: Proyek Pembangunan Berujung Pelanggaran HAM. Retrieved from https://cakrawikara.id/publikasi/lembar-fakta/konflik-rempang-proyek-pembangunan-berujung-pelanggaran-ham/

Last update:

No citation recorded.

Last update: 2025-10-09 09:22:50

No citation recorded.