The urgency of environmental law enforcement and public safety responsibility regarding gas pipeline leaks: The Cirebon-Semarang case through ecocracy theory
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61511/gg.v3i2.2026.3248Keywords:
ecocracy, environmental law, gas pipeline leaks, public safetyAbstract
Background: The Cirebon-Semarang (Cisem) Natural Gas Pipeline Project is a national natural gas infrastructure project aimed at connecting and strengthening the gas network in Java for industrial, household, and national energy security purposes. In June 2025, a pipeline installation site in Arjawinangun District experienced a leak, causing a mud flood that damaged the surrounding environment, including public facilities and private property. This issue is examined by prioritizing corporate responsibility in ensuring public safety and environmental protection. Methods: The research method used in this study is normative juridical, referring to Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management as the primary legal basis, as well as Law No. 22 of 2001 and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation No. 32 of 2021, which form the basis for corporate accountability regarding natural gas pipeline leaks in public areas. The analysis is supported by qualitative secondary data, focusing on literature grounded in the theory of ecocracy and legal enforcement aligned with the principles of Das Sollen (legal norms) and Das Sein (facts), as expressed by Hans Kelsen. Findings: The analysis indicates that the existing legal framework provides a basis for corporate accountability and environmental protection in cases of pipeline leaks. However, effective enforcement requires alignment between legal norms, corporate responsibility, and environmental protection measures. Conclusion: Strengthening environmental law enforcement and corporate responsibility is essential to ensure public safety and protect environmental conditions surrounding natural gas pipeline projects. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study applies ecocracy theory and the Das Sollen–Das Sein framework to analyze corporate accountability and environmental legal protection in the context of the Cirebon-Semarang natural gas pipeline leak.
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