{
  "id": 18120750,
  "title": "Ministry orders firms to rewet peatlands as fires persist",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/ministry-orders-firms-to-rewet-peatlands-as-fires-persist",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T12:49:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Jakarta Post",
    "slug": "the-jakarta-post",
    "url": "https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2026/11/04/ministry-orders-firms-to-rewet-peatlands-as-fires-persist.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Indonesian Environment Ministry has ordered over 400 firms operating on peatlands to maintain water levels in their concessions to prevent fires, as the upcoming rainy season only offers temporary respite from the blazes exacerbated by the warming El Niño climate pattern. Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat issued a four-point directive on Tuesday mandating companies to curb and counteract potential fires within their concessions. This directive compels companies to seal drainage canals to elevate water tables, thus averting peatlands from drying out and becoming more vulnerable to fires. Many extensive drainage systems have been constructed for commercial plantations, especially oil palm estates. Jumhur explained, \"We want to ensure that no blazes are permitted inside their concessions.\" Companies are also mandated to establish peatland rewetting infrastructure, enhance collaboration with relevant stakeholders, and carry out accountable disaster risk evaluations. The Jakarta Post invites readers to share their experiences, suggestions, and any challenges they've faced with this story.",
  "summary": "The Environment Ministry has ordered more than 400 companies operating on peatlands to keep their concessions wet to prevent further fires, as the approaching rainy season offers only temporary relief from blazes amid the warming El Niño climate pattern.",
  "key_points": [
    "Indonesian Environment Ministry orders 400+ firms to maintain peatland water levels.",
    "Directive mandates sealing drainage canals to elevate water tables and prevent fires.",
    "Companies required to establish rewetting infrastructure and collaborate with stakeholders."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}