The ministry's Deputy for Land Management and Sustainable Natural Resources Sigit Relianto stated here on Tuesday that peatlands management reform began after a major fire in 2015.
At that time, the government formulated the Peatlands Ecosystem Protection and Management (RPP-EG), which serves as the foundation for all restoration and monitoring activities.
"The protection and management plans have been formulated, and restoration efforts have kicked off. Starting with the Peatlands Restoration Agency (BRG) in 2014, which was then expanded to the Peatlands and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM) in 2019," Relianto explained.
Related news: Indonesia has restored 5.5 million hectares of peatlands: Ministry
Although BRGM no longer exists, its programs are still being implemented, he stated.
Furthermore, peatlands and mangrove protection and management have been integrated into national policies, reflected through derivative regulations like National Mangrove Mapping. He expects this initiative to serve as a framework for rehabilitating vulnerable ecosystems, like coastal areas and peatlands.
The management of peatlands also includes preventive measures against fires and efforts to improve local people's capacity.
"All components of the programs are focused on creating ecological resilience, particularly in areas prone to disasters," he noted.
Relianto expressed confidence that the regulation's success depends on everyone's commitment. Hence, synchronized programs between the central and regional governments are essential.
His administration has scheduled visits to some fire-prone areas, such as Riau, South Sumatra, and Jambi, to evaluate the peatlands management policy and gauge any need to revise technical policies.
He cited data from the Forestry Ministry, which shows that by 2025, some 80.15 percent of 8,594 hectares of land burned throughout the year were peatlands.
"Everyone must understand that peatlands are complex ecological systems which, if damaged, lead to disaster," he stated.
Related news: Peatlands are crucial ecosystem for biodiversity conservation: BRIN
Translator: M. Riezko Bima Elko Prasetyo, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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