Indonesia Plans National Agency to Strengthen Peatland and Mangrove Management
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has directed that scientists and local communities be actively involved in the operations of the planned National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN), which will oversee the country’s peatland and mangrove ecosystems.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto made the remarks following a cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Thursday, saying the involvement of scientists was intended to strengthen knowledge- and research-based policies for peatland management.
Yuliarto said President Prabowo had agreed to the proposal to establish the agency after scientists highlighted the need for a dedicated institution to manage peatland and mangrove ecosystems.
He said consolidating data and management permits under a single institution would streamline administrative processes and facilitate preventive measures.
The planned management system will be supported by more comprehensive mapping to identify land characteristics and potential uses, including areas suitable for crop cultivation, aquaculture and other activities. The approach is also aimed at reducing the recurrence of fires in peatland ecosystems.
President Prabowo has further stressed the importance of incorporating local knowledge and community practices into peatland management. Local residents are expected to play a greater role in preventing fires through the existing Fire Care Community (MPA) programme.
According to studies presented by experts, communities living closest to affected areas can provide rapid initial responses that are critical to preventing fires from spreading.
Education will also form part of the strategy, with the government considering the integration of peatland conservation and fire-prevention awareness into schools and curriculum development.
Yuliarto added that the President had called for continued research, studies and assessments of peatland ecosystems to support their sustainable and optimal management.
Indonesia’s peatlands cover more than 33 million hectares, and the government aims to improve their management while balancing environmental protection with productive and sustainable uses.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said the establishment of the BPGMN was intended to strengthen efforts to prevent forest and land fires, particularly those occurring in peatland areas.
He said the agency’s operations would be focused at the village level, enabling grassroots communities to take an active role in fire prevention and ecosystem management.
