Indonesia creates presidential agency to oversee peatland and mangrove fire prevention

During a limited gathering on forest-fire mitigation at the Presidential Palace, President Prabowo Subianto announced the establishment of the National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN). The agency, placed under direct presidential control, is intended to shift emphasis from reactive measures to proactive prevention of peatland and mangrove fires. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni explained that BPGMN will draw on scientific expertise, secure sufficient budget, and avoid overlapping duties with the Ministry of Forestry, distinguishing it from the former Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM).

He highlighted the six provinces—Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan—where the agency will concentrate its efforts. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi underscored the need for education, noting that most fires stem from human activity. Details on the agency’s budget and structure remain undisclosed.