Indonesia builds ‘water walls’ in peatlands to stop fire crisis

JAKARTA — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the construction of more wells and canal blocks in peatlands as part of a new push to prevent recurring land and forest fires. Peatlands are wetlands made of decaying plant material. When drained or dried, they become highly flammable and can burn underground for weeks, producing thick smoke that disrupts flights and harms health across Southeast Asia. The new infrastructure is designed to keep peatlands wet. Canal blocks slow the flow of water, while wells provide a steady supply for irrigation and emergency firefighting. The presidential order was announced on Monday, according to official statements. No timeline or budget figures were provided. Indonesia has faced annual fire crises, often worsened by dry weather and land clearing. The government has previously used cloud seeding and water bombing, but experts say restoring peatland moisture is a more permanent solution. Prabowo’s directive signals a shift toward prevention rather than response. Local authorities will now be responsible for identifying priority sites for the new wells and canal blocks.