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
| Objective | Indonesian Term | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Territorial protection | Melindungi wilayah NKRI | Protection from marine pollution and damage |
| Life sustainability | Kelangsungan kehidupan makhluk hidup | Ensuring survival and marine quality preservation |
| Human rights | Hak atas Mutu Laut | Marine quality as component of human rights |
| Sustainable development | Pembangunan berkelanjutan | Harmony and balance in marine quality |
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
| Component | Indonesian Term | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | Perencanaan | Inventory, standards, status determination |
| Utilization | Pemanfaatan | Sustainable use of marine resources |
| Control | Pengendalian | Prevention, response, recovery |
| Maintenance | Pemeliharaan | Quality preservation activities |
The four-pillar management approach mirrors the broader environmental protection structure established throughout PP 22/2021.
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
| Authority Level | Indonesian Term | Jurisdiction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minister | Menteri | Beyond 12 nautical miles | Also nationally strategic areas |
| Governor | Gubernur | Within 12 nautical miles | Measured from coastline seaward |
| Oil/Gas exclusion | Minyak dan gas bumi | National regardless of distance | Special authority provisions |
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
| Ecosystem Type | Indonesian Term | Planning Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Seawater | Air Laut | Quality standards and monitoring |
| Mangrove | Ekosistem Mangrove | Damage criteria and protection |
| Seagrass beds | Ekosistem Padang Lamun | Damage criteria and protection |
| Coral reefs | Ekosistem Terumbu Karang | Damage criteria and protection |
| Other ecosystems | Ekosistem lainnya | Per scientific developments |
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
| Category | Indonesian Term | Purpose | Stringency Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port | Pelabuhan | Maritime operations, industrial activities | Least restrictive |
| Marine tourism | Wisata Bahari | Recreation, swimming, tourism | Moderate |
| Marine life | Biota Laut | Ecosystem protection, biodiversity | Most restrictive |
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.
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
| Parameter | Unit | Port | Marine Tourism | Marine Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warna (Color) | Pt.Co | - | 30 | - |
| Kecerahan (Clarity) | m | >3 | >6 | Ecosystem-specific |
| Kekeruhan (Turbidity) | NTU | - | 5 | 5 |
| Kebauan (Odor) | - | tidak berbau | tidak berbau | Alami |
| Padatan tersuspensi total (TSS) | mg/L | 80 | 20 | Ecosystem-specific |
| Sampah (Debris) | - | Nihil | Nihil | Nihil |
| Lapisan minyak (Oil layer) | - | Nihil | Nihil | Nihil |
| pH | - | 6.5-8.5 | 7-8.5 | 7-8.5 |
4.2 Ecosystem-Specific Physical Values
| Parameter | Coral Reef | Mangrove | Seagrass (Lamun) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kecerahan (m) | >5 | - | >3 |
| TSS (mg/L) | 20 | 80 | 20 |
| Suhu (°C) | 28-30 | 28-32 | 28-30 |
| Salinitas (‰) | 33-34 | s/d 34 | 33-34 |
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
| Parameter | Allowable Variation | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Up to 2°C from natural | Daily/seasonal variation |
| Salinity | Up to 5% from seasonal average | Seasonal variation |
5.0 Chemical Parameter Standards
Chemical parameters address dissolved substances that affect water quality, organism health, and ecosystem function.
5.1 Oxygen and Nutrients
| Parameter | Unit | Port | Marine Tourism | Marine Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oksigen terlarut (DO) | mg/L | - | >5 | >5 |
| BOD₅ | mg/L | - | 10 | 20 |
| Amonia total (NH₃-N) | mg/L | 0.3 | 0.02 | 0.3 |
| Ortofosfat (PO₄-P) | mg/L | - | 0.015 | 0.015 |
| Nitrat (NO₃-N) | mg/L | - | 0.06 | 0.06 |
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
| Parameter | Unit | Port | Marine Tourism | Marine Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sianida (CN-) | mg/L | - | - | 0.5 |
| Sulfida (H₂S) | mg/L | 0.03 | 0.002 | 0.01 |
| Hidrokarbon Petroleum Total (TPH) | mg/L | 1 | - | 0.02 |
| Senyawa Fenol total | mg/L | 0.002 | 0.001 | 0.002 |
| PAH | mg/L | - | 0.003 | 0.003 |
| PCB | μg/L | 0.01 | 0.005 | 0.01 |
| Minyak dan Lemak | mg/L | 5 | 1 | 1 |
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.
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
| Metal | Unit | Port | Marine Tourism | Marine Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raksa (Hg) Mercury | mg/L | 0.003 | 0.002 | 0.001 |
| Kadmium (Cd) | mg/L | 0.01 | 0.002 | 0.001 |
| Timbal (Pb) Lead | mg/L | 0.05 | 0.005 | 0.008 |
| Tembaga (Cu) Copper | mg/L | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.008 |
| Seng (Zn) Zinc | mg/L | 0.1 | 0.095 | 0.05 |
| Nikel (Ni) | mg/L | - | 0.075 | 0.05 |
| Arsen (As) | mg/L | - | 0.025 | 0.012 |
| Kromium heksavalen Cr(VI) | mg/L | - | 0.002 | 0.005 |
6.2 Organotin Compounds
| Compound | Unit | Port | Marine Tourism | Marine Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBT (tributyl tin) | μg/L | 0.01 | - | 0.01 |
TBT, historically used in antifouling paints, remains regulated due to its severe impacts on marine organisms even at trace concentrations.
7.0 Pesticide and Biological Standards
7.1 Pesticide Parameters
| Pesticide | Unit | Port | Marine Tourism | Marine Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BHC | μg/L | - | 210 | 210 |
| Aldrin/Dieldrin | μg/L | - | 17 | - |
| Chlordane | μg/L | - | 3 | - |
| DDT | μg/L | - | 2 | 2 |
| Heptachlor | μg/L | - | 18 | - |
| Lindane | μg/L | - | 56 | - |
| Methoxychlor | μg/L | - | 35 | - |
| Endrin | μg/L | - | 1 | 4 |
| Toxaphene | μg/L | - | 5 | - |
Many pesticide standards apply only to marine tourism, reflecting human exposure concerns rather than ecosystem protection.
7.2 Biological and Microbiological Parameters
| Parameter | Unit | Port | Marine Tourism | Marine Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal coliform | Jml/100 mL | - | 200 | - |
| Coliform (total) | Jml/100 mL | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 |
| Patogen | sel/100 mL | - | nihil | nihil |
| Fitoplankton | sel/mL | - | 1000 | 1000 |
| Radioaktifitas | Bq/L | - | 4 | 4 |
Fecal coliform limits (200/100 mL) apply only to marine tourism, directly protecting swimmers and recreational users from pathogen exposure.
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
| Ecosystem | Indonesian Term | Primary Damage Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Mangrove | Kriteria baku kerusakan Mangrove | Canopy cover, live tree density |
| Seagrass | Kriteria baku kerusakan Padang Lamun | Damaged area extent |
| Coral reef | Kriteria baku kerusakan Terumbu Karang | Coral cover percentage |
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.
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
| Category | Indonesian Term | Protection Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Marine conservation zones | Kawasan konservasi perairan | Biodiversity protection |
| Marine tourism areas | Daerah rekreasi atau wisata bahari | Human health, economic value |
| Mangrove areas | Kawasan Mangrove | Coastal protection, nursery habitat |
| Seagrass beds | Padang Lamun | Primary productivity, fisheries |
| Coral reefs | Terumbu Karang | Biodiversity, coastal protection |
| National parks | Kawasan taman nasional | Conservation priority |
| Marine tourism parks | Kawasan taman wisata alam Laut | Recreation, conservation |
| Cultural/scientific heritage | Kawasan cagar budaya dan ilmu pengetahuan | Cultural preservation |
| Disaster-prone areas | Kawasan rawan bencana alam | Risk management |
| Fish spawning/nursery | Daerah pemijahan dan pembesaran ikan | Fisheries sustainability |
| Migration routes | Alur migrasi biota Laut yang dilindungi | Protected species |
| Fishing zones | Daerah penangkapan ikan | Food security |
| Shipping lanes | Alur pelayaran | Maritime safety |
| Defense areas | Wilayah pertahanan | National security |
Waste discharge activities near sensitive areas require enhanced precautions and may be prohibited entirely in some locations.
10.0 Pollution Control Framework
The marine pollution control framework follows a three-stage approach: prevention, response, and recovery.
10.1 Control Components
| Stage | Indonesian Term | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Prevention | Pencegahan | Infrastructure, waste limits, marine debris prevention |
| Response | Penanggulangan | Emergency plans, containment, source elimination |
| Recovery | Pemulihan | Remediation, rehabilitation, restoration |
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
| Requirement | Timeline | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Initial response | Within 24 hours | Business activity operator |
| Response plan | Pre-operational | Required for permitted activities |
| Government intervention | If operator fails | Minister or Governor designates third party |
| Cost recovery | As incurred | Charged to responsible operator |
10.3 Marine Quality Maintenance
| Activity | Indonesian Term | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ecosystem protection | Perlindungan ekosistem Laut | Life support system preservation |
| Conservation area designation | Penetapan kawasan konservasi | Protected area management |
| Climate adaptation | Adaptasi dan mitigasi perubahan iklim | Ecosystem function preservation |
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.
Official Sources
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