Marine & Coastal Water Quality Standards in Indonesia: The Three-Category Ecosystem Protection Framework Under PP 22/2021

1.0 The Marine Quality Management System

Government Regulation PP 22/2021 establishes a comprehensive framework for marine water quality protection through Chapter V (BAB V) on Protection and Management of Marine Quality (Perlindungan dan Pengelolaan Mutu Laut). This framework addresses both seawater quality standards and ecosystem damage criteria for Indonesia's critical marine ecosystems.

Unlike freshwater quality standards which use a four-class system based on intended use, marine water quality standards are organized around three designated use categories, each reflecting distinct protection priorities. Additionally, unlike groundwater standards which use site-specific baselines, marine standards establish fixed national parameters with ecosystem-specific variations for coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.

1.1 Marine Protection Objectives

Pasal 221 establishes:

Penyelenggaraan Perlindungan dan Pengelolaan Mutu Laut bertujuan: a. melindungi wilayah Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia dari Pencemaran dan/atau Kerusakan Laut; b. menjamin kelangsungan kehidupan makhluk hidup dan kelestarian Mutu Laut; c. menjamin pemenuhan dan perlindungan hak atas Mutu Laut sebagai bagian dari hak asasi manusia; dan d. mencapai keserasian, keselarasan, dan keseimbangan Mutu Laut untuk mewujudkan pembangunan berkelanjutan.

1.2 Management Scope

The four-pillar management approach mirrors the broader environmental protection structure established throughout PP 22/2021.

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2.0 Jurisdictional Authority Distribution

Marine quality management authority is divided between national and provincial governments based on distance from coastline and activity type.

2.1 Authority Boundaries

Pasal 222 ayat (2-3) establishes:

(2) Menteri sebagaimana dimaksud pada ayat (1) huruf a berwenang pada lokasi di atas 12 (dua belas) mil laut, kawasan strategis nasional, dan kawasan strategis nasional tertentu. (3) Gubernur sebagaimana dimaksud pada ayat (1) huruf b berwenang pada lokasi di bawah 12 (dua belas) mil laut diukur dari garis pantai ke arah laut lepas, di luar Usaha dan/atau Kegiatan minyak dan gas bumi.

2.2 Ecosystem Coverage

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3.0 The Three-Category Seawater Quality Standards

Annex VIII (LAMPIRAN VIII) of PP 22/2021 establishes seawater quality standards across three designated use categories, each with distinct parameter limits reflecting different protection priorities.

3.1 Designated Use Categories

Pasal 229 ayat (1) establishes:

Baku Mutu Air Laut sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 223 ayat (3) huruf b terdiri atas peruntukan: a. pelabuhan; b. wisata bahari; dan c. biota Laut.

3.2 Default Standards Provision

Where additional marine water quality standards beyond the three base categories have not been established, the biota laut (marine life) standards apply as the default. This reflects a precautionary approach prioritizing ecosystem protection.

Pasal 230 ayat (3) provides:

Baku Mutu Air Laut peruntukan lainnya sebagaimana dimaksud pada ayat (1) sepanjang belum ditetapkan, merujuk pada Baku Mutu Air Laut untuk peruntukan biota Laut sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 229 ayat (1) huruf c.

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4.0 Physical Parameter Standards

Physical parameters address the observable characteristics of seawater that affect both aesthetic quality and ecosystem function.

4.1 Core Physical Parameters

4.2 Ecosystem-Specific Physical Values

The ecosystem-specific variations reflect natural conditions in different marine habitats. Mangroves tolerate higher TSS and wider temperature ranges due to their estuarine environment, while coral reefs and seagrass require higher water clarity for photosynthetic processes.

4.3 Natural Condition Allowances

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5.0 Chemical Parameter Standards

Chemical parameters address dissolved substances that affect water quality, organism health, and ecosystem function.

5.1 Oxygen and Nutrients

Marine tourism has stricter ammonia limits (0.02 mg/L) than both port and marine life categories (0.3 mg/L), reflecting human health concerns for water-contact recreation.

5.2 Toxic Substances

The port category allows higher petroleum hydrocarbon levels (1 mg/L) compared to marine life (0.02 mg/L), reflecting the operational realities of maritime activities.

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6.0 Heavy Metal Standards

Heavy metals present particular concerns for marine ecosystems due to bioaccumulation and persistence in sediments.

6.1 Heavy Metal Limits

6.2 Organotin Compounds

TBT, historically used in antifouling paints, remains regulated due to its severe impacts on marine organisms even at trace concentrations.

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7.0 Pesticide and Biological Standards

7.1 Pesticide Parameters

Many pesticide standards apply only to marine tourism, reflecting human exposure concerns rather than ecosystem protection.

7.2 Biological and Microbiological Parameters

Fecal coliform limits (200/100 mL) apply only to marine tourism, directly protecting swimmers and recreational users from pathogen exposure.

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8.0 Ecosystem Damage Criteria

Beyond water quality parameters, the regulation establishes damage criteria for Indonesia's critical marine ecosystems.

8.1 Ecosystem Damage Categories

Pasal 232 establishes:

(1) Kriteria baku kerusakan Mangrove sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 231 ayat (2) huruf a ditetapkan berdasarkan: a. tutupan tajuk; b. kerapatan pohon Mangrove yang hidup; dan/atau c. parameter lain sesuai dengan perkembangan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi.

8.2 Damage Assessment Integration

Ecosystem damage criteria integrate with water quality standards to determine overall Marine Quality Status (Status Mutu Laut), expressed as an index reflecting both chemical quality and ecological condition.

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9.0 Sensitive Area Protection

The regulation identifies 14 categories of sensitive marine areas requiring enhanced protection from pollution activities.

9.1 Sensitive Area Categories

Waste discharge activities near sensitive areas require enhanced precautions and may be prohibited entirely in some locations.

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10.0 Pollution Control Framework

The marine pollution control framework follows a three-stage approach: prevention, response, and recovery.

10.1 Control Components

Pasal 241 ayat (2) establishes:

Pengendalian Pencemaran dan/atau Kerusakan Laut sebagaimana dimaksud pada ayat (1) meliputi: a. pencegahan; b. penanggulangan; dan c. pemulihan.

10.2 Emergency Response Requirements

10.3 Marine Quality Maintenance

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Conclusion

Indonesia's marine water quality standards under PP 22/2021 establish a comprehensive three-category system addressing the distinct needs of port operations, marine tourism, and ecosystem protection. The 38-parameter framework covers physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological parameters, with ecosystem-specific variations for coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.

The jurisdictional division between Minister (beyond 12 nautical miles) and Governor (within 12 nautical miles) ensures appropriate authority levels for marine management. The sensitive area framework provides enhanced protection for Indonesia's critical marine habitats, while ecosystem damage criteria complement water quality standards in determining overall marine quality status.

For business operators in maritime sectors, understanding this framework is essential for compliance. Activities requiring Environmental Approvals must address marine impacts where applicable, and AMDAL or UKL-UPL requirements include marine quality considerations for coastal and maritime projects. Violations of marine quality standards expose operators to administrative sanctions including permit suspension or revocation.

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Official Sources

• PP 22/2021 Full Text - JDIH BPK
• UU 32/2009 Environmental Protection Law - JDIH BPK

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Law Database

Access PP 22/2021 in the CRPG Law Database: PP 22/2021