Strengthening Environmental Justice through Community-Based Legal Empowerment

Warmiyana Zairi Absi; Mastorat Mastorat; Hargianti Dini Iswandari; Tamrin Talebe; Randy Vallentino Neonbeni

doi:10.55927/fjst.v4i12.343

Authors

Warmiyana Zairi Absi Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Hukum Sumpah Pemuda Sumatra Selatan
Mastorat Mastorat Universitas Muhammadiyah Bima
Hargianti Dini Iswandari Universitas Ngudi Waluyo Ungaran
Tamrin Talebe Universitas Islam Negeri Datokarama Palu
Randy Vallentino Neonbeni Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Hukum Cendana Wangi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/fjst.v4i12.343

Keywords:

Environmental Justice, Community-Based, Legal Empowerment

Abstract

This study examines how community-based legal empowerment can strengthen environmental justice amid growing ecological pressures in Palembang City. Using a qualitative socio-legal approach, data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with eight key informants—including affected residents, environmental activists, community paralegals, and local government officials—and policy document analysis. Thematic analysis shows that legal empowerment enhances legal literacy, reinforces collective solidarity, and expands citizen participation in environmental policy oversight. However, structural resistance and weak law enforcement remain significant challenges. The study concludes that achieving environmental justice requires integrating legal education, social empowerment, and institutional reform oriented toward ecological justice. The findings contribute theoretically to law-and-society studies and offer practical guidance for developing more participatory and sustainable environmental legal policies.

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