Prabowo orders wells, canals in peatlands to fight fires

hartono · Aug 24, 2026

Prabowo orders wells, canals in peatlands to fight fires

Screenshot - President Prabowo Subianto leads a meeting on Sumatra wildfire response in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Monday (August 24, 2026). ANTARA/Prisca Triferna

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the construction of additional wells and canal blocks in peatlands to prevent forest and land fires, while ensuring the infrastructure also benefits local communities.

Speaking at a fire management coordination meeting in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Monday, Prabowo urged officials to remain vigilant against potential fires, particularly as dry conditions driven by the El Niño phenomenon threaten the country.

"Some of what we view as obstacles can actually become opportunities," Prabowo said. "As it turns out, drilling wells in peatlands is not all that difficult."

He called for the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to assist in constructing retention ponds and canal blocks in wildfire-prone areas.

"We need to continue adding productive retention basins and canals in peatlands," he said, suggesting that the basins could also be used for aquaculture to support local livelihoods.

The initiative aims to ensure infrastructure serves dual purposes—preventing fires while directly benefiting local residents.

Prabowo also pushed for the expanded use of technology to combat blazes in South Sumatra, including weather modification operations to keep peatlands moist.

Indonesia is ramping up wildfire mitigation efforts across several regions as risk levels peak between August and September.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has designated six priority provinces for firefighting operations: West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Riau, South Sumatra, and Jambi.