President Prabowo Subianto held a discussion with several academics\nand experts at the Merdeka Palace on Thursday (24\/9\/2026). Several\nproposals were presented to Prabowo to address the issue of forest and\nland fires (karhutla) in peatlands.<\/p>\n
From the video broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat, five\nexperts presented their proposals to the President: Dr Bagus Muljani\nfrom Nottingham University, Prof Yulianto S. Nugroho from the University\nof Indonesia, Dr Sigit Sutikno from the University of Riau, Prof\nIndratmo Soekarno from ITB, and Prof Ahmad Kurnain from Lambung\nMangkurat University.<\/p>\n
Understanding Indonesia\u2019s Importance<\/p>\n
Bagus Muljadi explained that scientists must understand the\nimportance of Indonesia, as a global ecosystem chokeppoint, which holds\na crucial geographical location for calculating greenhouse gas levels.\n\u201cWithout us, it would be impossible to accurately calculate the carbon\ncycle. We essentially hold the fate of many nations in our hands,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>\n
To that end, he believes the nation must recognise and understand\nthis responsibility. On this occasion, he stated that there are three\nvital points that must be discussed: protecting and cultivating peat\nforests, monitoring and detecting peatland hotspots, and determining the\nnecessary actions when fires occur.<\/p>\n
Water Bombing is Ineffective for Extinguishing Peatland Fires<\/p>\n
Yulianto S. Nugroho explained that fires in peatlands are extremely\ndifficult to extinguish. Based on his simulations, at least one hectare\nof peatland requires between 200,000 and 1 million litres of water to be\nextinguished.<\/p>\n
This means that fire prevention is key. He noted that early detection\nof potential fire risks is more important, using technologies such as\nthermal cameras and infrared to locate hotspots. During the session,\nYulianto emphasised that water bombing is ineffective for extinguishing\npeatland fires.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs water bombing effective? Looking at the data we have, it is not\neffective, Mr President,\u201d he said. \u201cThat method can only be used for\nextremely extreme conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Consequently, he urged corporations to possess early fire detection\nequipment to enable prevention. He also requested that hotspots be\nextinguished immediately.<\/p>\n
Strengthening Fire-Aware Communities and Creating Small\nReservoirs<\/p>\n
Sigit Sutikno stated that the community serves as the front line for\nfirefighting if a fire occurs. Therefore, he requested the revival of\nFire-Aware Communities (MPA), equipped with better firefighting\ncapabilities. One method involves creating shallow boreholes so that the\ncommunity can access water quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn our experience, it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to create a\nborehole. The equipment is simple: using a pole, inserting a pipe, and\nconnecting it to a Robin pump to draw out water,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also suggested the creation of small reservoirs (embung) around\npeatlands, measuring 1 to 2 square metres every 200 metres, to ensure\neasier water access for the community.<\/p>\n
Establishing a Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency<\/p>\n
Indratmo Soekarno highlighted the vital role of the Peatland and\nMangrove Restoration Agency. \u201cWe have a peatland and mangrove\nrestoration agency. Several handling steps and plans have actually been\nmapped out. There is even a manual on how to manage these peatlands.\nThis could serve as a lesson learned,\u201d said Indermato.<\/p>\n
Prabowo immediately approved the formation of the National Peatland\nand Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN). This institution will fall\ndirectly under the responsibility of the President. \u201cI agree, good,\u201d\nsaid Prabowo.<\/p>\n
The Role of Villages in Disaster Mitigation<\/p>\n
Ahmad Kurnain suggested that every village should be capable of\nmonitoring and performing mitigation when fire disasters occur. \u201cIt is\nimportant to have good practices that the President can implement. For\nexample, in every yard, we could create biopores. No matter how small,\nit is about promoting their self-reliance,\u201d said Ahmad.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/expert-recommendations-to-prabowo-for-managing-peatland-forest-fires-1790337245", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }