Indonesia Prepares University Support for Peatland and Mangrove Management

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is preparing support from universities and laboratories across the country for the planned establishment of the National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN). The initiative aims to strengthen peatland and mangrove management through research, scientific knowledge, and higher education resources.

The plan was discussed during a workshop on the establishment of the BPGMN at the Manggala Wanabakti Building, Ministry of Forestry, in Jakarta on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The workshop brought together stakeholders to prepare the framework for the proposed institution and identify potential support from universities and research facilities.

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto said the initiative followed a directive from President Prabowo Subianto. Coordination between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology and the Ministry of Forestry is being carried out to prepare the framework for the BPGMN.

“We hope that the BPGMN can be fully prepared today, or at least that its main framework will be ready,” Brian said. “Universities across Indonesia, as well as laboratories at universities in six provinces, particularly those with large and sensitive peatland areas, are essentially ready to help.”

According to Brian, universities have research facilities and human resources that can support the needs of the planned agency. Their contributions could include studies, research, knowledge development, and the provision of qualified personnel, depending on the needs and direction of the Ministry of Forestry.

The Ministry has identified universities and laboratories in six provinces with experience and capacity related to peatland ecosystems. These resources could be optimized to support management efforts based on scientific data, research findings, and the specific conditions of each region.

Brian emphasized that the involvement of universities would help connect scientific and technological capabilities directly with management needs in the field. In addition to research facilities, universities have lecturers and students who could participate in relevant activities as needed.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology will continue coordinating with the Ministry of Forestry to map the forms of support that universities and laboratories can provide. The collaboration is expected to strengthen peatland and mangrove management by integrating research, data, scientific expertise, and human resources from Indonesia’s higher education sector.