Govt prioritizes peatland rewetting, revegetation to prevent wildfires

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government is prioritizing rewetting, canal-block repairs, and revegetation to restore degraded peatland ecosystems following recent forest and land fires while mitigating future wildfire risks, officials said Monday.

Satyawan Pudyatmoko, Head of the National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN), stated that restoring moisture levels is critical to preventing fires, as dried peat remains highly flammable.

"One way to restore the peatland ecosystem so that it can function properly is through rewetting," Pudyatmoko told reporters in Jakarta.

He explained that rewetting involves constructing canal blocks, channeling water from rivers into degraded peat areas, and planting vegetation to shield the ground from direct sunlight.

The government plans to build additional canal blocks and repair existing wooden infrastructure that has deteriorated or leaked after three to five years of use.

Pudyatmoko noted that authorities will coordinate with local communities to manage water levels and prevent localized flooding in residential areas.

Alongside hydrological restoration, the government is introducing paludiculture—wetland farming of pineapples, aloe vera, and sago—on community land to generate economic benefits without draining the peat. Burned national parks and conservation areas will be reforested with native flora.

Pudyatmoko added that villages will serve as the primary line of defense against wildfires through hotspot detection systems linked to local firefighting resources.

The government is also evaluating financial and operational incentives for villages that successfully prevent fires, aiming to consolidate ecosystem recovery ahead of projected strong El Niño weather patterns expected in 2029 or 2030.

Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2026