Putting out wildfires: How peat restoration has reduced fire risk in Indonesia's tropical forests

Peatland fires in Indonesia pose a significant threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and human populations. These fires are worsened by El Niño warming phases that cause prolonged drought. Recent El Niño years, including 2015, 2019, and 2023, have seen major fires across Indonesia. As another severe drought looms, Indonesia's experience provides valuable insights for protecting vulnerable ecosystems and communities worldwide.

The national peatland restoration program was initiated post the 2015 drought, which saw around 2.6 million hectares (6.4 million acres) of land burn. Economic losses were estimated at more than US$16.1 billion (£9 billion). The Indonesian government established the Peatland Restoration Agency in 2016 to restore ecosystems and prevent fires.

By 2020, this included mangrove forest restoration to enhance coastal climate resilience. Despite a decline in wildfire hotspots, the restoration program's mandate ended in 2024, raising concerns about its future. Our research shows that large-scale peatland restoration reduced wildfire hotspots by up to 22% in restored areas during the 2019 El Niño, resulting in 38% fewer peatland fires compared to 2015.

Restoration had restored about 1.6 million hectares (4 million acres) of peatland by 2024. However, the government's mandate transfer may jeopardize this progress. The current El Niño is expected to peak in 2026, increasing the risk of fires. Between January and June 2026, more than 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) of land were burned, according to government records.

Our analysis compared restored and unrestored areas in Sumatra and Kalimantan, focusing on two restoration methods: canal blocking and deep wells. Deep wells are more effective at reducing fire risk, as they actively wet dry peat, can extinguish fires, and have longer-lasting infrastructure. Canal blocking, which relies on natural water retention, is less effective but more targeted.

Nonetheless, only young canal blocks (less than a year old) are effective at maintaining peat wetness, requiring regular maintenance. While Indonesia's restoration program has yielded positive results, the threat of fire remains a concern in degraded peatlands. Even with a decline in fire extent over the past decade, hotspot density in restored areas remains up to 10 times higher than in untouched peat forests.

The total burned area within peat forests remains above 500,000 hectares (1.2 million acres), and water table levels are still below safe thresholds. More degraded peatland restoration is needed, but protecting existing peatlands should be the priority, especially as droughts intensify due to climate change.