TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Since it was established on January 2016, the Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG) has finally ready to carry out restoration efforts. BRG Chief Nazir Foead presented progress achieved by the agency in a press conference held on Thursday, March 31, 2016.

During the conference, Nazir explained that BRG's peatland restoration efforts will be focused on four regions, namely Meranti Archipelago in Riau; Ogan Komering Ilir and Musi Banyuasin Regency in South Sumatra; and in Pulang Pisau Regency in Central Kalimantan.

Nazir stated that BRG had just recently mapped indicative restoration areas in the four regions. The mapping revealed that 77 percent of the target areas are located in cultivation areas, while the other 23 percent are listed as conservation areas. Nazir added that the restoration efforts will cover a total of 834,491 hectares of peatland.

"Restoration effort is not only the government's duty, but also the responsibility of concession holders. Moreover, 77 percent of the indicated restoration areas are cultivation areas," said Nazir during the conference.

Adding to Nazir's statement, Budi Wardhana, BRG's Deputy of Planning and Cooperation said that "the mapping results will be discussed with related parties."

Budi explained that the restoration area mapping was conducted based on four criteria: lands that are categorized as peatlands, a land's ground cover, presence of water canals and the effects of canal construction, and five-year period fire occurrence records. Details of the restoration activities will be determined based on the land’s status, topographical conditions and hydrological conditions, local customs and socio-cultural aspects.

In relation to restoration efforts, BRG's Deputy on Construction, Operation and Maintenance Alue Dohong, said that the BRG is currently drafting a standard operational procedure (SOP) on peatland re-hydration infrastructures development such as canal blockings and seedling nursery. The Agency is also on the process of drafting SOPs for peatland replanting and construction of deep wells.

MAHINDA ARKYASA