Keterangan Pers Mendiktisaintek Brian Yuliarto, 24 September 2026

President Prabowo Promotes Science-Based Peatland Management, Involving Scientists and Village Communities President Prabowo Subianto held a discussion with several academics and experts on peatland management and management in Indonesia. The discussion, held at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, September 24, 2026, focused on research-based strategies for preventing and managing peat fires. In his statement, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto stated that the involvement of scientists is part of an effort to strengthen peatland management policies based on knowledge and research findings. At the meeting, President Prabowo decided to establish the National Peat and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN). "The President approved this because, based on the experience of these scientists, the existence of such an agency is indeed crucial. Data and permits for management managed by a single agency will greatly facilitate, ultimately facilitating various prevention and other efforts," he explained. President Prabowo, said the Minister of Education and Technology, also directed that the agency be strengthened with the support of scientists. Peat management will be supported by more comprehensive mapping to identify land characteristics and potential, including determining areas suitable for crop cultivation, fisheries, and other uses. "The President also conveyed various local knowledge and good practices, which he stated can be used as the main reference for optimal peatland management and management," he said. In fire management, the President also encouraged the strengthening of village-based and community-based approaches through the Fire Awareness Community (MPA). Based on expert studies, communities closest to the incident site play a crucial role in providing a quick and effective initial response. "Several good practices were also presented by scientists, such as building rapid pumps, calculating how to handle fires from the air, and so on. The President warmly welcomes these practices, hoping they can be used as references for the soon-to-be-established agency," Brian continued. Education is also a key focus, including through schools and curriculum development on the importance of preserving peatlands and preventing fires. Furthermore, according to Brian, the President requested that research, studies, and studies on peatland continue to support optimal management of Indonesia's peatlands. "The point is that in the future, Indonesia's peatlands, which total more than 33 million hectares, can be optimized and utilized. On the one hand, they produce something suitable, but on the other hand, much more importantly, with proper management, prevention can be carried out better," he concluded. Jakarta, September 24, 2026 Bureau of Press, Media, and Information, Presidential Secretariat Website: https://www.presidenri.go.id YouTube: Presidential Secretariat