Although there is no specific regulation that explicitly guarantees and governs the protection of environmental defenders, several laws implicitly address it.

• The 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia

  As the primary legal guideline in Indonesia, the 1945 Constitution provides guarantees, acknowledgement and protection of human rights (Article 28A - 28J).

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights

  This declaration forms the basis for all international conventions on human rights. It stresses recognition of human dignity and equal fundamental rights for all people.

• Declaration on Human Rights Defenders

  Adopted in 1998, this declaration affirms the rights of every person to advance and fight for the protection/fulfilment of fundamental human rights and freedoms. The declaration also positions the main responsibility for the protection of human rights with the State.

• Law No. 39/1999 on Human Rights

  This law has become the embodiment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established by the United Nations.

• Law No. 41/1999 on Forestry

  Article 47 of this law opened up room for community participation in the safeguarding and preservation of forests. Unfortunately, it does not expressly stipulate protection of forest and/or environmental defenders.