Authority of Central and Regional Governments in Natural Resource and Environmental Management

Abstract

This study discusses the relationship between central and regional government authority in the management of natural resources and the environment in Indonesia, emphasizing legal aspects and regional autonomy. As a unitary state, the central government holds the highest authority, while regions are given space through the principle of decentralization to regulate local affairs. However, regional authority in managing strategic natural resources remains limited in order to safeguard national interests. This research applies a normative juridical approach by analyzing the 1945 Constitution, Law Number 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, and regional autonomy regulations. The findings reveal a dilemma between maintaining the consistency of national law and addressing regional needs in managing the environment according to local wisdom. The results emphasize the necessity of establishing a balanced relationship between the central and regional governments so that sustainable natural resource management can be achieved without neglecting the principle of national development.