Prabowo Puts Scientists and Villagers at the Heart of Peatland Restoration

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered that scientists and local communities be directly involved in running the country's peatland agency. The directive aims to make peatland management more effective by combining expert knowledge with on-the-ground experience. Peatlands are carbon-rich wetlands that store large amounts of greenhouse gases. When damaged, they become highly flammable and are a major source of Indonesia's annual fires and carbon emissions. By including researchers and villagers in the agency's operations, the government hopes decisions will reflect both scientific data and local realities. Local communities often know the land best and can help prevent fires and restore damaged areas. The move signals a shift toward a more inclusive approach to environmental management, placing those who live and work on the land at the center of efforts to protect it.