Regional Governments Prepare Strategic Environmental Assessments

The Head of the Human Resources Development Agency of the Ministry of Home Affairs Sugeng Hariyono stated that all regional heads have begun preparing Strategic Environmental Assessments (Kajian Lingkungan Hidup Strategis - “KLHS”). These assessments must be attached to Regional Medium-Term Development Plans (Rencana Pembangunan Jangka Menengah Daerah - “RPJMD”).

“In the RPJMD, one of the requirements is the KLHS. It is an integral part. The KLHS is prepared based on current actual conditions,” he told Hukumonline.

The assessment must include the carrying capacity and absorption capacity of the environment, estimates of the impact and risks to the environment, and the performance of ecosystem services or functions.

It also includes the efficiency of natural resource utilization, the level of vulnerability and adaptive capacity to climate change, as well as the level of resilience and potential biodiversity. This assessment will serve as a reference for regional development.