Indonesia’s new peatland agency to get greater powers, but more work needed to stop forest fires
Indonesia is reviving a dedicated peatland and mangrove agency amid its worst wildfires in years. Experts cautiously welcome its greater powers and wider scope of responsibilities.
Indonesia is set to establish a new National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN) with expanded powers and broader responsibilities following the country's worst wildfire season in years. Environmental experts have welcomed the move, highlighting the crucial role peatlands and mangroves play in carbon storage and their vulnerability to fires.
The new agency, which will report directly to President Prabowo Subianto, is tasked with overseeing peatland and mangrove management, restoration, and conservation, as well as leading fire prevention efforts in specific provinces. Unlike its predecessor, the Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM), which operated from 2016 to 2024, BPGMN will have more authority to manage permits and determine agricultural suitability versus conservation areas.
However, experts warn that the success of the new agency will depend on securing a robust budget, staffed by professionals, and involvement from key ministries.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
