ITB Expert: Indonesia Already Possesses Peat Management Map, Can Serve as Government Model

Indonesia already possesses a comprehensive map and guidelines for peatland management, which can serve as a reference for the government in tackling the recurring forest and land fires (karhutla), according to an expert from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). Indratmo Soekarno, Professor of Water Resources Engineering and Management at ITB, conveyed this during a discussion between President Prabowo Subianto and academics at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, September 24, 2026. He explained that during the time of the former Peat Restoration Agency and its successor, the Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM), specific steps for peatland management had been mapped and even compiled into a book. "We used to have a Peat Restoration Agency. We used to have a Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency. Well, some steps, the actual plan for handling at that time we have mapped, there is even a book, sir," said Indratmo. According to him, the guidelines that have been compiled can be a learning material for the government in managing peatland. The input was delivered during a discussion where President Prabowo invited 22 academics from various universities in Indonesia and abroad to discuss the management of peat areas, which are prone to fires every year. The President had asked the experts for input on three main issues: forest fire prevention, peatland management, and the possibility of using peatlands for productive activities. Professor Indratmo proposed utilizing the experience and results from the previous agency's work in peatland handling. In response, President Prabowo agreed on the need for a special body to manage peat and mangroves, which would be directly under the President, not a ministry. "Okay, we agreed first. We need this body, there must be. The Peat and Mangrove Management Agency. He is not under the ministry, he is directly under the President. I agree," said the President. During the discussion, experts also provided insights into the characteristics of peat, water requirements for extinguishing fires, and early fire detection technology.