Antara News·Indonesia·Friday, September 25, 2026 at 04:32 AM

Prabowo urges stronger peatland research for wildfire resilience

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Sean Filo, Tegar Nurfitra

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has called for intensified peatland research as part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia's resilience to wildfires, Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto said.

"The president wants research to continue, emphasizing the need to optimize studies on peatland management," he said in a statement received here on Friday.

Yuliarto made the remarks after Prabowo invited peatland scientists and experts to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (Sept. 24) to discuss research-based approaches to addressing peatland-related issues.

The discussion also covered plans to map peatland areas and classify them based on their cultivation potential, including for agriculture and other sectors, he added.

He also highlighted the president's emphasis on science, best practices, and local wisdom as the foundation for effective peatland management across the country.

On wildfire mitigation, Yuliarto said Prabowo stressed the importance of strengthening community participation through the Fire Care Community (MPA) program.

"The president also called for the reactivation of village-based initiatives involving MPA groups by providing them with support, as studies and expert assessments have shown that community-led fire prevention and control efforts tend to be more effective and efficient," he said.

He also noted the president's directive to raise public awareness of peatland management, including through schools and curriculum adjustments, to encourage broader public participation in wildfire prevention and control efforts.

In response, Yuliarto said his ministry would continue supporting research while creating greater opportunities for scientists to contribute to peatland management based on their respective areas of expertise.

He described the approach as part of efforts to strengthen linkages between higher education, science and technology, and national development.

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