Indonesia has established the National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency to prevent recurring forest and land fires through enhanced early detection, scientific research, and expanded firefighting capacity.
Origins of the National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency
President Prabowo Subianto formed the new institution, officially designated as the National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN), following a limited meeting on forest fire mitigation at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on September 24, 2026. Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni confirmed the establishment after consulting with various peatland experts. According to Raja Juli, the newly formed agency operates directly under the President and replaces the previously dissolved Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM) with a distinct mandate focused heavily on proactive intervention.
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi emphasized during the presidential meeting that mitigation efforts must target all vulnerable sectors. He noted that educational outreach remains essential because fires fundamentally originate from human activities, particularly land-clearing practices during seasonal dry spells.
Operational Strategy and Scientific Integration
The newly minted BPGMN centers its operational framework on research, geographic mapping, early detection, and hotspot monitoring. Unlike reactive suppression strategies of the past, the agency integrates scientists and field professionals directly into peatland management protocols. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that combining scientific knowledge, modern technology, and community experience yields a more comprehensive defense against seasonal blazes.
To ensure practical readiness on the ground, the Indonesian government is simultaneously expanding physical firefighting capabilities. Operations now incorporate extensive water pumps, portable equipment, and shallow wells constructed directly within vulnerable peatland zones. These technical defenses are paired with local oversight, engaging village officials and community fire-prevention groups for rapid initial responses.
Target Regions and Budget Allocation
Forest and land fires pose an acute regional threat because drained peatlands—particularly across Sumatra and Kalimantan—act as subterranean tinderboxes during dry periods, generating toxic transboundary haze. Minister Raja Juli Antoni stated that the BPGMN will receive sufficient budget support to target high-risk zones across six primary peat-based provinces: Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan.
While the precise organizational structure and detailed budget allocations remain undisclosed, officials confirmed that the agency’s specific tasks and functions are designed to operate without overlapping with the existing jurisdiction of the Ministry of Forestry.
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