Minister urges peatland restoration to curb fires in South Sumatra

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4 hours ago

Palembang (ANTARA) – Minister of Environment Jumhur Hidayat is strengthening efforts to mitigate and prevent forest and land fires in South Sumatra Province by restoring the hydrological functions of peatlands.

“One of the measures being implemented is the construction of water inlets, which channel water from rivers back into peatland areas,” Hidayat said after inspecting a fire-affected area in Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) District on Sunday.

He said the measure was expected to maintain moisture levels in peatlands and reduce the risk of fires.

Canal blocks also play an important role in maintaining water availability in peatland areas. They help retain water, preventing it from draining away too quickly and keeping the land wet, particularly during the dry season.

Hidayat emphasized that preventing forest and land fires requires more than government action, calling for the active involvement of task forces and communities through collective efforts.

“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,” he said.

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.

During the visit, Hidayat was accompanied by Satyawan Pudyatmoko, head of the National Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BPGMN).

Pudyatmoko said his agency would strengthen coordination and consolidate efforts to ensure the implementation of concrete programs, with villages serving as the frontline in preventing forest and land fires.

“We will identify which villages should be prioritized,” he said.