TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG) proposed to use village funds to restore peatlands damaged by forest fires.

"Peatlands are prone to forest fires during the dry season. When the land is dried out, it's hard to find water. The fund village is used for infrastructures, such as road, schools and water sources," BRG head Nazir Fuad said after attending the ICOPE 2016 in Bali on Friday, March 18, 2016.

Nazir argued that the village fund would be used to maintain water reserves on peatlands, to anticipate water shortage during dry seasons.

"The water will be useful for crops and daily needs," Nazir explained.

Nazir added that each village would receive Rp 500 million (US$36,800) that should be used for positive programs, such as restorations. However, Nazir admitted that he had not planned the restoration programs yet and leave them to local people.

Nazir explained that each village would not receive the same amount of fund.

"The amount of money will depend on village size and population," he said, adding that only damaged lands that would receive the fund.

BAGUS PRASETIYO