Prabowo establishes agency to strengthen peatland, mangrove management

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the establishment of the National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN) to strengthen peatland management and prevent forest and land fires.

The decision was one outcome of the President's discussion with several academics on peatland management and wildfire risks at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (Sept. 24), Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said in a statement received here on Friday.

According to Teddy, the agency is expected to strengthen wildfire prevention through research, mapping, early warning systems, and hotspot monitoring in peatland areas.

"The agency will involve scientists and professionals," he said.

The involvement of scientists and professionals, Teddy says, is intended to ensure that peatland management is based on more comprehensive knowledge and research while supporting early prevention of wildfires.

The government is also preparing measures for on-site fire management, he added, noting that ground task force operations will be optimized to enable a faster response when fires occur.

The government will also optimize the deployment of water pumps and develop shallow well drilling points to strengthen firefighting capabilities in peatland areas.

Teddy also noted the importance of public participation, highlighting community-driven initiatives under the Fire Care Community (MPA) program.

He added that involving local residents is essential to ensuring a rapid response to wildfires, including those occurring in peatland areas.

"By linking the knowledge of scientists, technology, and community experience, we hope to be able to manage peatland more comprehensively while safeguarding ecosystems and preventing wildfire recurrences," Teddy said.

Through BPGMN, the government is promoting integrated peatland management ranging from prevention, mapping, and early detection to stronger responses.

Related news: Prabowo orders scientists, villagers involved in peatland agency

Translator: F. Rochman, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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