Confirmed from Jakarta on Friday, Deputy Minister of Environment Diaz Hendropriyono emphasized the crucial role of freshwater and peatland ecosystems in mitigating climate change and increasing disaster resilience, both for Indonesia and the world.
He made the statement at a forum titled “Community-Based Freshwater and Peatland Conservation for a Resilient Planet” on the sidelines of UNEA-7.
He specifically explained that Indonesia has successfully restored approximately 4.5 million hectares of peatland and has significantly strengthened the Environment and Forestry Ministry (KLH) flagship program, the Independent Peat Care Village (DMPG).
"Since the program has been running in 323 villages since 2017, only three have experienced land fires. Therefore, the program has successfully saved communities from fires while increasing their incomes," Diaz explained.
He highlighted the success of the DMPG program, leading Indonesia to target an increase to 800 villages.
The step is crucial considering that Indonesia has the largest tropical peatland area in the world and holds approximately 500 cubic kilometers of water reserves in 840 large and 735 small lakes.
Therefore, the government has positioned community-based conservation as key to the success of the national environmental program.
The Deputy Minister also emphasized Indonesia's leadership in sustainable lake management.
Indonesia has issued comprehensive regulations, including Law Number 32 of 2024 concerning Amendments to Law Number 17 of 2019 concerning Water Resources and Presidential Regulation Number 60 of 2021 concerning the Conservation of National Priority Lakes, which designates 15 national priority lakes.
The commitment extends to the global level with the initiation of UNEA Resolution 5/4 on sustainable lake management, adopted by UNEP in 2022.
Currently, Indonesia is in the process of establishing a Regional Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Lake Management in Asia-Pacific and is ready to host and facilitate regional collaboration.
"Indonesia is ready to host and facilitate the collaboration. We also encourage similar centers around the world to form a global alliance in lake management," Diaz said.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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