In brief
On November 1, Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat visited fire‑affected peatlands in Ogan Komering Ilir, announcing the construction of water inlets and canal blocks to maintain moisture and lower wildfire risk. He called for community and task‑force engagement, while the National Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency will coordinate village‑level actions. The plan aims to protect ecosystems and the livelihoods of residents in South Sumatra.
On Sunday, 1 November 2026, Indonesia’s Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat toured a fire‑damaged peatland in Ogan Komering Ilir, South Sumatra, announcing a new initiative to restore hydrological functions that could curb the region’s recurring wildfire crisis.
The Minister said the project would involve the construction of water inlets that channel river water back into peatland areas to keep the soil moist. He added that canal blocks would be installed to hold water in place, preventing drainage during the dry season and reducing the likelihood that peat would ignite.
Hidayat stressed that the restoration effort is not solely a governmental responsibility. He urged that task forces and local communities work together on a large scale to prevent forest and land fires.
"This collective effort needs to be strengthened and carried out on a massive scale. We hope the preventive measures being taken now will help prevent forest and land fires next year," the Minister said.
During his visit, Hidayat was accompanied by Satyawan Pudyatmoko, chief of the National Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BPGMN). Pudyatmoko explained that the agency would strengthen coordination and consolidate efforts to ensure the implementation of concrete programs at the village level.
"We will identify which villages should be prioritized," Pudyatmoko told the gathering.
South Sumatra’s peatlands play a critical ecological role, acting as a carbon sink and supporting local biodiversity. When these wetlands dry out, they emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide and become highly flammable.
In recent years, the region has seen a surge in peatland fires that have caused air quality issues, economic loss, and health risks for residents.
The proposed water inlet system will refill the peat swamp, reestablishing its natural moisture balance. Canal blocks, meanwhile, will slow the flow of water away from the soil, maintaining a high water table even during prolonged dry spells.
According to environmental experts, these measures could reduce fire frequency by keeping peat layers saturated, thereby lowering the chance of spontaneous ignition.
Local civil society groups have been pushing for stronger fire prevention strategies. Many residents have repeatedly reported that insufficient government oversight and sporadic firefighting responses leave the community vulnerable.
By integrating village representatives into the restoration planning, the Minister’s approach aims to empower residents to participate directly in monitoring and maintaining the new infrastructure.
In many South Sumatran communities, peatlands also provide resources such as food, water, and raw materials, meaning that a reduced fire threat could improve livelihoods and food security.
The National Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency is tasked with identifying priority villages and coordinating with local administrations to launch the restoration projects. Their work will include mapping peatland areas, assessing water deficits, and training community volunteers for maintenance.
Chief Hidayat noted that the hydrological restoration effort is a long‑term strategy. He said the measures were designed not only to prevent fires but also to protect the broader peatland ecosystem and the people who depend on it.
"The measures are part of a long‑term strategy to protect peatland ecosystems and reduce the impact of fires on the environment and local communities," the Minister added.
The project is part of a national effort to align with Indonesia’s commitments to reducing carbon emissions and preserving natural habitats.
Because peatlands are also critical carbon sinks, preventing fires will contribute to climate mitigation goals by curbing the release of greenhouse gases.
Residents in Ogan Komering Ilir, where the Minister visited, have already experienced the devastation caused by peat fires, including burn‑touched homes and widespread loss of agricultural land.
Community members plan to work alongside government officials to maintain the water inlets and canal blocks once they are constructed. These joint efforts will rely on community task forces to patrol for early signs of fire and to report damming or drainage issues that could compromise moisture levels.
According to Hidayat, “collaborative measures are essential for the success of the restoration initiative. The active involvement of task forces and communities cannot be over‑emphasized.”
Experts suggest implementing these restorations can also increase peatland resilience to future droughts, thereby enhancing local capacity to manage water scarcity.
While the new infrastructure is still under planning, the Minister’s announcement has already spurred interest from both NGOs and local governments to support the endeavor.
The initiative, if fully implemented, could serve as a model for peatland management across Indonesia, demonstrating the power of local participation in ecological restoration.
Ultimately, the primary beneficiaries of the restoration effort are the residents of South Sumatra, whose safety, health, and economic prospects depend on a stable and fire‑resistant peatland environment.
