Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Indonesia plans technology to predict peatland fires up to three days ahead
Indonesia’s peatland agency plans to predict fires up to three days ahead to give officials more time to prepare.
Deputy head Sriyanto said the agency wants to build on monitoring systems developed by various groups, including regional police.
A peat water level below 40 centimetres signals a need for action, as drier peat is more vulnerable to fire.
The agency says canals that drain water from peatlands can contribute to drying, especially during the dry season.
Mapping canals and building barriers to slow water loss are among its planned steps.
Earlier warnings could help officials reduce fire risks and plan protections and evacuations for people in high-risk areas; the agency also plans to involve local communities and experts in peatland management.
Indonesia’s National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency plans to develop technology to predict fires, especially on peatland, up to three days in advance.
The technology is intended to help authorities detect fire risks early and take steps to limit their spread.
Deputy agency head Sriyanto said the effort would build on monitoring systems developed by various groups, including regional police.
The agency says peatland water levels below 40 centimetres are one indicator requiring action to reduce fire risk.
It also plans to map canals and build canal blocks to help keep peatland wet.
- Who
- Indonesia’s National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN).
- What
- The agency plans to develop technology to predict peatland fires up to three days ahead.
- When
- The plan was reported on 16 October 2026; Sriyanto discussed it on 15 October.
- Where
- Indonesia. Sriyanto spoke at the State Palace in Central Jakarta.
- Why
- To detect fire risks earlier so authorities can take mitigation measures and protect people in high-risk areas.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sriyanto discussed the planned fire-prediction technology at the State Palace in Central Jakarta.
CNN Indonesia published its report on the agency’s plan.
- Prediction lead time
- Up to three days
- Peat water-level indicator
- Below 40 centimetres
- Agency
- National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN)
- Reported discussion
- State Palace, Central Jakarta
- Report date
- 16 October 2026
What people are saying
If possible, three days beforehand. I am sure technology that can predict fires across Indonesia three days beforehand does not yet exist. However, at least we can use technology that our colleagues have developed.
If we know that a fire may occur in peat forests, we begin mitigation. We must determine what evacuations can and should be carried out to protect people, where safe points are and how the arrangements will work.
We know the source of the drying is canals. Peat has domes. Often canals are built in domes, which are places where water is stored, even though they are the water towers. So, when the dry season comes, the water from the domes is gone.