Prabowo Discusses Peatland Fire Prevention with Academics, Plans New National Body

President Prabowo Subianto led a discussion with academics from various research institutions and universities at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (24/9/2026) to address the perennial issue of forest and land fires (Karhutla), particularly those occurring in peatlands. The meeting aimed to strengthen prevention efforts for fires that have become a recurring problem. Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that the academics were invited by President Prabowo to directly discuss peatland management issues based on their respective expertise. "The President, on Thursday afternoon, September 24, 2026, at the President's invitation, welcomed 22 academics from various domestic and international universities to discuss directly with the President regarding the handling of peatlands that are prone to fire year after year," Teddy said in a written statement on Friday (25/9/2026). Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) Brian Yuliarto explained that the academics, professors, and researchers present had previously participated in an expert panel discussion. This discussion also involved several relevant ministries and agencies. "After receiving the President's directive last week, we identified academics, professors, and researchers who are truly involved with peatlands. We then also discussed with the State Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary," said Brian. During the meeting, President Prabowo emphasized that forest fires, especially those in peatlands, are a serious problem that needs to be tackled. "My dear professors, one of the problems we face as a nation and a state is forest fires, and specifically forest fires on peatlands. This forest fire problem, we experience forest fires every year," he stated. Prabowo highlighted the importance of understanding the characteristics of peatlands in fire prevention efforts. He noted that Indonesia has vast peatland areas, requiring management tailored to these conditions. "There is a phenomenon where our neighbors also have forests, but perhaps they don't have as much peat as we do. Perhaps you all know better, you understand, that's why I invited you," Prabowo told the academics. Furthermore, Prabowo stressed the need for strengthening institutional frameworks for peatland and mangrove management. He proposed the establishment of a special body, the National Peat and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN), that would operate directly under the President, not under a ministry. "We agree that we need this agency, it must exist, the National Peat and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN). It will not be under a ministry, it will be directly under the President. I agree," Prabowo affirmed. The establishment of BPGMN was one of the outcomes of Prabowo's discussion with the academics. This agency is intended to bolster the management of peatland and mangrove ecosystems and prevent the recurrence of Karhutla. BPGMN will operate directly under the President and involve scientists and professionals. Through this discussion, Prabowo also received science-based input on the characteristics of peatland ecosystems and approaches for sustainable fire prevention and management.