Blog Posts: lahan gambut

Peatlands are known as marginal lands and are ideally not intended for farming activities. However, due to the limited productive land and the increasing needs of people living in the peat area and its surroundings, some of the peat areas is used as land for cultivation. However, problems arise when cultivation activities are carried out not in accordance with the principles of sustainable peat management, thus causing peatland degradation. Paludiculture-based agroforestry can be a solution to this problem because its principles are in line with restoration efforts and are able to provide more economic and environmental benefits.

The Food Estate program is one of the National Strategic Programs launched by the government in 2020. Although this program is intended to maintain national food security, a number of studies have assessed that the food estate approach is ineffective and would not touch the root of the problem. The food estate program in Central Kalimantan has been in the spotlight because it was developed on ex-peatland development (PLG) which failed under President Soeharto.

Land clearance by burning is often done because it is considered easier, cheaper, and increases soil fertility. In fact, burning land can actually have a negative impact on peatlands. What are the effects of burning land clearing practices that can adversely affect the biophysical condition of peatlands?

Wet peat is an excellent carbon sink that can help reducing heat and mitigating the climate crisis. On the other hand, dry peat will continually release carbon into the air even without fire. If there is a fire, the amount of carbon release can significantly increase.

Until five years ago, Indonesia was considered one of the world's biggest forest loggers. This changed last August when President Joko Widodo enaced a new policy that will permanently cease the issuance of new permit for clearing in natural forests and peatlands. What are the benefits of this policy for Indonesia?

Sometimes, misconception about paludiculture occurs because the scientific definition and principles are not commonly discussed.

Indonesia must build on recent reductions in tree cover loss and protections for peatlands. To get there, they'll need more international support, innovative schemes such as peatland restoration and continued monitoring.