Prabowo Considers Academic Input Regarding Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency
President Prabowo Subiability is reported to have listened to input from scientists and academics in determining policies for peatland and mangrove management.
Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni stated that this input serves as a foundation for the planned formation of the National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN). Managing peatlands is particularly crucial for strengthening efforts to prevent forest and land fires (Karhutla).
“He personally heard proposals from scientists and academics last week, supported by sufficient data, indicating that Indonesia requires a dedicated agency to seriously manage peatlands and mangroves,” Raja Juli said, as quoted in a written statement on Wednesday (30/9).
Following President Prabowo’s directives, Raja Juli announced that he will organise a workshop with 22 experts who were previously invited to the Palace to prepare for the agency’s establishment. These experts will discuss the mandate, standard operating procedures (SOP), and the organisational structure of the BPGMN to ensure it operates effectively and efficiently.
In addition to the experts, the discussions will involve mangrove specialists as well as policymakers from various ministries, agencies, and local governments. Raja Juli noted that the results of these discussions will serve as the basis for drafting a Presidential Regulation (Perpres) regarding the new institution.
Furthermore, Raja Juli mentioned that peatland management practices implemented by local communities in Riau will serve as a model for other regions. He described the location as a ‘living laboratory’ that can provide learning opportunities for the new agency once formed. These practices are expected to be studied and replicated in other areas, particularly within the six priority provinces for forest fire prevention.
According to Raja Juli, peatland management practices in Tanjung Leban Village, Bengkalis, Riau, demonstrate the importance of collaboration between the government, researchers, the community, and the private sector. One specific practice observed is peatland water management (water sharing) through canal blocking, ensuring community needs are met without allowing the peatland to dry out.
“The lesson is that everyone must work together and cooperate, starting from the government, researchers, and entrepreneurs; every private sector player must be involved,” he said.
Previously, President Prabowo Subianto decided to re-establish the National Peatland and Mangostrove Management Agency (BPGMN). “The President has made the decision to establish an agency called the National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency, or BPGMN,” Minister Raja Juli Antoni stated during a press conference following a meeting with 22 experts at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (24/9).
Raja Juli explained that the agency will be staffed by experts focusing on forest and land fire mitigation and peatland management. He clarified that this agency differs from the Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM), which was formed in 2016 and dissolved in late December 2024.
The distinction lies in the structure and budget; while the BRGM operated under the Ministry of Forestry, the BPGMN will operate directly under the President. “It will be composed of scientists and professionals and will be supported by an adequate budget,” he added.