International Journal of Peatland Research and Innovation
Center for Peatland and Disaster Studies
Tropical Peatland Restoration in Indonesia as an Integrated Pathway to Sustainable Development Goals: Policy, Rewetting, Revegetation, and Livelihood Revitalization
Indonesia’s tropical peatlands are globally significant carbon stores and locally important socio-ecological landscapes, yet decades of drainage, fire, and conversion have transformed many peat hydrological units into persistent sources of greenhouse gas emissions, disaster risk, biodiversity loss, and livelihood vulnerability. This manuscript revises and strengthens the original policy-action analysis of Indonesian peatland restoration by positioning restoration as an integrated pathway for achieving selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 13, and 15. Using a qualitative synthesis of policy instruments, restoration program experience, and recent scientific literature, the paper examines how three restoration measures - rewetting, revegetation, and revitalization of local livelihoods - interact with national peat governance and sustainable development targets. The novelty of this paper lies in reframing the “3R” restoration framework not merely as technical rehabilitation, but as a governance-to-ecosystem-services pathway that links hydrological recovery, fire-risk reduction, carbon mitigation, biodiversity rehabilitation, community-based livelihoods, and adaptive monitoring. Recent evidence shows that rewetting can reduce peat CO2 emissions and subsidence, but its effectiveness depends on time, water-table stability, canal-network configuration, vegetation recovery, land tenure, and community adoption. Revegetation and paludiculture can improve ecosystem function when species selection is hydrologically compatible and market pathways are secured. Livelihood revitalization remains the most socially sensitive component because economic transitions require trust, extension, gender-sensitive participation, and viable value chains. The manuscript concludes that peat restoration in Indonesia will contribute meaningfully to SDGs only when implemented as long-term, landscape-scale, data-driven, and locally legitimate governance, rather than as a short-term infrastructure project.
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Peatland Research and Innovation
Macrozoobenthic Diversity in the Coastal Peatland Ecosystem of Koneng Beach, Dumai, Indonesia
Koneng Beach in Dumai City, Riau Province, is a coastal area located on a peatland ecosystem and is influenced by industrial and shipping activities, making it vulnerable to environmental pressures that affect benthic organisms. This study aims to analyze the diversity of macrozoobenthos in the coastal peatland ecosystem of Koneng Beach and was conducted on May 12, 2024. A purposive sampling method was employed, with three observation stations and line transects. Sampling was carried out during low tide using 1 × 1 m² quadrats. Macrozoobenthic community analysis included abundance calculation, the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H'), and the dominance index (C). The identification results revealed only one species of macrozoobenthos, Mysotella myosotis (class Gastropoda). The diversity index (H') was 0, indicating very low diversity, while the dominance index (C) was 1, indicating high dominance by a single species. These conditions suggest that the aquatic ecosystem of Koneng Beach is experiencing ecological stress, likely related to anthropogenic activities and environmental pollution. Further research is needed to examine the relationship between pollution levels and the structure of the macrozoobenthos community in this area.
Ecological Roles, Nutritional Value, Conservation Status, and Aquaculture Development of Snakehead (Channa striata) in Peatland Ecosystems: A Review
Peatlands and wetlands are unique ecosystems rich in biodiversity that play a crucial role in global carbon sequestration. The snakehead (Channa striata Bloch, 1793) is a keystone species in these ecosystems, renowned for its remarkable ability to adapt to extreme environmental conditions, including hypoxia and low pH, facilitated by its suprabranchial labyrinth organ. This review aims to synthesize the current scientific knowledge on the ecology, biology, economic potential, and aquaculture development prospects of snakehead fish in peatland and wetland ecosystems in Indonesia. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, with searches performed across Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, and the Garuda Portal databases. The findings reveal that snakehead fish occupy a critical ecological role as apex predators within wetland food webs, while simultaneously demonstrating considerable economic and biomedical value attributed to their high albumin and protein content, which promotes wound healing. Nevertheless, snakehead fish populations are increasingly threatened by overfishing and peatland habitat degradation driven by land conversion for agriculture and oil palm plantations. The development of paludiculture-based aquaculture on restored peatlands presents a promising synergistic solution that reconciles ecosystem conservation with the economic empowerment of local communities. However, persistent challenges including water quality management, limited market access, and the need for regulatory harmonization must be addressed through a comprehensive and integrated approach.
Debarking Productivity in Peatland Industrial Plantation Forest Harvesting Using Debark Ponton Darat (DPD) Gen 1 and Gen 2
Timber harvesting activities in Industrial Plantation Forests on peatlands require specialized techniques and machinery due to the soft, wet, and low-bearing-capacity soil conditions. One of the important stages in this process is debarking, which involves removing the bark before the wood is further processed. To support debarking activities on peatlands, first-generation (Gen 1) and second-generation (Gen 2) Debar Ponton Darat (DPD) are used, both of which have been developed in terms of design and operational systems. This study aims to compare the productivity and efficiency of debarking using DPD Gen 1 and DPD Gen 2 under relatively similar working conditions on peatlands in Riau Province. The research method employed a quantitative approach through direct field observations using time-study methods over 15 work cycles involving two operators, each using DPD Gen 1 and DPD Gen 2. The collected data included work time and the volume of wood successfully debarked, which were then analysed descriptively to determine productivity values in units of m³/hour. The results showed that the DPD Gen 1 had a higher average wood volume per cycle at 14.8 m³ compared to the DPD Gen 2 at 12.1 m³. However, the cycle completion time for the Gen 2 DPD was faster at 3.16 minutes compared to 5.08 minutes for the Gen 1 DPD. These conditions result in higher productivity for DPD Gen 2, reaching 15.3 m³/h, while DPD Gen 1 achieves 14.8 m³/h. The increase in productivity for DPD Gen 2 is thought to be influenced by the blade design, which is sharper and more densely spaced, making the bark peeling process faster and more efficient.
Analysis of the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) to Support Social Forestry: A Case Study of Rimbo Larangan Indigenous Forest, Kuantan Singingi, Riau, Indonesia
This study analyzes the implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) to assess the readiness and potential of the community to manage the Rimbo Larangan Indigenous Forest in Kenegerian Teratak Air Hitam, Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau Province, within the context of the Social Forestry . The method used is a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from a survey of 120 respondents with qualitative data from in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. The analysis focuses on five types of livelihood capital: human, natural, physical, financial, and social. The research results indicate that the community possesses livelihood assets at a moderate level, with human, social, and natural capital at a higher level compared to physical and financial capital. Strengths in human and social capital are reflected in educational levels, a culture of deliberation, and the active role of customary institutions in preserving the forest. Meanwhile, limitations in physical and financial capital highlight the need for support in the form of technical training, improved access to capital, and institutional mentoring. The implementation of SLA has proven effective in identifying the community’s socio-ecological strengths and vulnerabilities and provides a scientific basis for the process of applying for recognition of the Rimbo Larangan Indigenous Forest under the Social Forestry. Accordingly, strengthening the five livelihood capitals through capacity building, economic diversification, and institutional collaboration is key to achieving adaptive and sustainable community-based forest management.
Compositional Analysis of Fire Outbreaks in Riau: El Niño, IOD Positive, and Easterly Monsoon as Key Amplifiers of Peatland Fire Risk
Peatland fires in Riau Province, Indonesia, pose significant environmental and public health risks. Although large-scale climate drivers such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and Australian Monsoon (AUSMI) are known to influence fire activity, the relative importance of continuous index values versus discrete climate phases remains insufficiently understood. This study utilized active fire observations from the NASA VIIRS (VNP14A1) product and identified the top 20 most extensive fire outbreak months over the period from January 2012 to December 2025. Linear regression analysis was first applied to evaluate relationships between fire activity and continuous Niño 3.4, Dipole Mode Index (DMI), and AUSMI values. Subsequently, a phase-based compositional analysis was conducted on the 20 largest fire events, classifying each event according to ENSO (El Niño/La Niña), IOD (positive/negative), and AUSMI (Easterly/Westerly) phases. Results indicate consistently weak linear relationships (r² ≤ 0.051), suggesting limited explanatory power of continuous indices. In contrast, phase-based analysis reveals strong dominance patterns, with 70% of events occurring during El Niño, 60% during positive IOD, and 90% during the Easterly Monsoon. These findings demonstrate that fire occurrence is governed by multi-scale interactions, where the Easterly Monsoon defines the seasonal window for fire activity, while ENSO and IOD act as amplifying factors. The results highlight the superiority of phase-based approaches over index-only methods for understanding and predicting peatland fire dynamics, providing a more robust foundation for early warning and mitigation strategies.
Evaluation of Environmental Management Performance In Riau Province Using DPSIR Method
This study evaluates the environmental management performance of Riau Province using the Driving Forces–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework. The assessment was conducted through data analysis, field assistance, stakeholder interviews, and evaluation of the regional environmental response index (IRLH) for 2024. Results show a significant improvement in the completion rate of IRLH inputs, reaching an average of 100%, although several regions still face data limitations and inconsistencies in local government involvement. The DPSIR analysis indicates that population growth, economic expansion, land-use change, and industrial development act as major driving forces that exert pressure on air quality, water quality, land resources, and peatland ecosystems. Key pressures include increasing motor vehicle emissions, forest and land fires, industrial wastewater, and unsustainable land clearing practices. These pressures lead to declining environmental states, evidenced by moderate water quality, degraded land conditions, frequent hydrometeorological disasters, and damage to peat ecosystems. The impacts include increased respiratory diseases, reduced availability of clean water, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to climate change. In response, the Riau Provincial Government has implemented various strategic programs such as emission monitoring, peatland rewetting, waste management initiatives, forest fire prevention units, and the integration of environmental monitoring technologies. Although these responses demonstrate progress, challenges remain in enforcement, data quality, and cross-sectoral coordination. This study highlights the need for strengthened governance, improved environmental database systems, and enhanced community participation to support sustainable environmental management in Riau Province.
Estimating Biomass and Carbon Stock Potential in the Imbo Putui Customary Forest Ecosystem, Riau
Climate change is one of the most widely discussed environmental issues. Climate change is caused by forest degradation and deforestation. Efforts are made to reduce the impact of climate change by controlling carbon concentration through carbon sinks. Data is needed on the carbon content stored in forest biomass. One of the forest areas that has the potential to store carbon is the Imbo Putui customary forest. This study aimed to calculate the carbon stock potential of forest carbon sources in the Imbo Putui customary forest, Kampar Regency. The research method used was destructive sampling and non-destructive sampling. Data collection was carried out by making sample plots using the systematic sampling method with random start. The results of the research in the Imbo Putui customary forest have a total carbon stock potential of 179.65 tons/ha and a total biomass stock potential of 382.21 tons/ha. Details of carbon stock potential in five carbon sources are 86.46 tons/ha of surface carbon stock, 32.00 tons/ha of subsurface carbon stock, 2.20 tons/ha of litter carbon, 4.73 tons/ha of necromass carbon, 54.26 tons/ha of soil carbon. The substantial carbon stock indicates that the Imbo Putui Customary Forest serves as an important carbon sink, playing a crucial role in reducing atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and supporting Indonesia’s commitment to achieving Net Zero Emission (NZE).
Innovative IoT Solutions for Monitoring Water Content in Peat Soil and Their Role in Fire Mitigation in Rimbo Panjang, Kampar, Riau
This research was conducted in Rimbo Panjang Village, Kampar Regency, Riau, to evaluate the water content of peat soil and its relationship with fire risk using Internet of Things (IoT) technology. By placing 15 observation points in areas with peat depths ranging from 0.5 to 1 meter, soil moisture data was collected in real-time using capacitive soil moisture sensors connected to an ESP32 microcontroller. The results showed that soil moisture levels varied between 15% and 35%, influenced by rainfall, temperature, and human activities. Analysis indicated a negative correlation between soil moisture and temperature, where increasing temperatures contributed to decreased soil moisture, elevating fire risk, especially during the dry season. 2D and 3D water content models generated from this data provide crucial insights into the distribution of soil moisture and help identify high-risk areas. Moisture levels below 0.5 indicate an increased risk of fire, necessitating special attention in land management. This study also emphasizes the importance of local community involvement in monitoring soil moisture through educational programs to enhance awareness and collaboration in peatland ecosystem preservation efforts. With this data-driven approach, it is hoped that natural resource management in Rimbo Panjang Village can be conducted more sustainably and responsively to environmental changes.
Comparative Analysis of Peat Soil Hydraulic Conductivity Determined by Slug Test and Falling Head Method in Tanjung Leban, Indonesia
Peat soil has unique hydraulic characteristics that affect water movement, infiltration, and storage. Understanding its hydraulic conductivity is essential for effective peatland restoration and sustainable water management. This study compares the hydraulic conductivity values obtained from field and laboratory measurements in the Tanjung Leban Landscape, Bengkalis, Indonesia. Field data were collected using the Slug Test method, while laboratory tests used the Falling Head method on the same peat samples. Results show that the Slug Test produced higher conductivity values, ranging from 0.011 to 0.741 m/day, whereas the Falling Head test yielded lower values between 2.57 × 10⁻⁸ and 1.33 × 10⁻⁷ m/s. The difference reflects natural macro-pores and root channels influencing field flow, while laboratory conditions represent intrinsic permeability. These findings indicate that field measurements describe effective hydraulic conductivity, whereas laboratory tests capture intrinsic hydraulic behavior, offering valuable insights for peatland hydrological modeling and water management.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Meteorological Drought Index and Peat Fires Using Google Earth Engine (GEE) in Pelalawan Regency, Riau
Peatland ecosystems in Indonesia, particularly in Riau Province, are highly vulnerable to meteorological drought, which exacerbates the frequency and severity of peat fires. This study employs the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) to assess drought conditions in Pelalawan Regency (Riau Province) over 2012–2023 and examines their relationship with peatland fire occurrences. Google Earth Engine (GEE) was utilized for large-scale analysis, integrating high-resolution precipitation datasets from TRMM/GPM and fire hotspot data from NASA’s FIRMS to evaluate drought trends over different timescales. SPI values were calculated on a monthly scale and correlated with the distribution and timing of fire hotspots. The results revealed a strong inverse relationship (r = -0.75) between SPI values and fire occurrences, indicating that severe drought episodes (SPI < -1.5) often precede major fire events by approximately 1–2 months. Fire hotspots were spatially clustered in peat-dominated areas with recurrent drought conditions, particularly in degraded peatlands and plantation zones, highlighting these regions’ heightened vulnerability. By leveraging cloud-based geospatial analysis, this research demonstrates an enhanced capacity for real-time drought monitoring and early fire risk warning.
Biodiversity of Fish Inhabit Aquatic Ecosystem in Senepis Peat Forest, Riau, Indonesia
The Senepis Peat Forest in Riau, Indonesia, represents a unique and sensitive aquatic ecosystem that supports a diverse range of freshwater biodiversity. This study aims to assess the structure and abundance of aquatic organisms, particularly focusing on the biodiversity of fish and supporting biotic components such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthos across four monitoring stations (P1, P2, P3, and P4). Phytoplankton abundance showed the highest mean at Station P1 (57,405.56 ind/m³), indicating high primary productivity, but also displayed considerable variability (SD: 206,330.71), likely due to environmental fluctuations. Zooplankton abundance positively correlated with phytoplankton, particularly at P1, suggesting a close trophic relationship between primary producers and primary consumers. In contrast, benthic organisms exhibited the highest abundance at P2 (mean: 58.34 ind/m²; max: 319 ind/m²), implying a habitat-specific adaptation possibly related to substrate type and oxygen levels. The diversity and distribution patterns of fish and aquatic biota in Senepis reflect the complex interplay of biotic and abiotic factors shaping community structures in peatland aquatic systems. The findings emphasize the ecological importance of Senepis as a habitat for aquatic biodiversity and highlight the need for continuous environmental monitoring and integrated conservation strategies.
Analysis of River Water Quality Parameters in the Senepis Peat Forest Area, Riau, Indonesia
This study examines the water quality of the Senepis Peat Forest in Riau, Indonesia, by analyzing key water quality parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Data collected in 2017 and 2018 show significant variations in these parameters across different locations. pH values ranged from 4.9 to 7.7 in 2017 and from 5.1 to 7.7 in 2018, with lower pH in upstream areas, reflecting the influence of organic acids from decomposing plant matter. DO levels varied from 2.7 mg/L to 17.3 mg/L in 2017 and from 1.2 mg/L to 22.7 mg/L in 2018, with lower concentrations found in rainwater and polluted sites. CO₂ concentrations ranged from 19.98 mg/L to 191.44 mg/L in 2017, reflecting significant organic matter decomposition in peatlands. BOD₅ levels varied from 2.18 mg/L in rainwater to 14.59 mg/L in Nyamuk Hilir River in 2018, indicating high oxygen demand due to organic pollution. COD values ranged from 6.8 mg/L in rainwater to 114.4 mg/L in Teluk Dalam Hilir in 2017, signaling substantial organic pollution. These findings provide insights into the water quality dynamics in the Senepis Peat Forest, highlighting the effects of natural and anthropogenic factors on the aquatic ecosystem.
Mapping and Analysis of Peatland Subsidence Using GIS: A Case Study of Karya Tani Village, Indonesia
This study was conducted in Karya Tani Village, Kempas District, Indragiri Hilir Regency, an area where signs of peatland subsidence have become increasingly evident. Surface subsidence of peat is notably observable through the exposure of root systems in perennial vegetation, particularly on community-managed lands. Subsidence represents a serious environmental threat, serving as a key indicator of peatland degradation. Though gradual, this process can result in extensive ecological damage and, in extreme cases, the irreversible loss of land. Accordingly, mapping and analyzing subsidence rates using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is crucial for assessing the spatial extent and severity of this phenomenon. Field observations were conducted to document subsidence indicators, which were primarily identified through mature coconut trees exhibiting exposed root systems above the soil surface. Data collection was carried out over a 30-day period, from October 27 to November 27, 2022, in Karya Tani Village. Subsidence rate mapping was performed using ArcGIS software, employing the Topo to Raster interpolation method for spatial analysis. The results indicate that subsidence rates in the study area range from 2.75 to 6.50 cm/year, with an average rate of 4.45 cm/year.
Analysis of Ammonia, Phosphate and Nitrate Levels of Rovers in the Senepis Peat Forest Area, Riau, Indonesia
The Senepis Peat Forest Area in Riau is a tropical ecosystem that plays a crucial role in carbon storage, hydrological regulation, and biodiversity. However, pressures on river water quality in this area have increased due to land use changes. This study aims to analyze the concentrations of key nutrients, including ammonia (NH₃-N), phosphate (PO₄³⁻), and nitrate (NO₃⁻), at various river and water points in the Senepis area during 2017 and 2018. Sampling was conducted at 12 locations, including upstream and downstream points of four main rivers (Senepis, Sinaboi, Nyamuk, and Teluk Dalam), a logging block well, a kampong canal, and rainwater. Laboratory analysis was performed using spectrophotometric methods in accordance with SNI standards for each parameter. The results show that in 2017, phosphate concentrations ranged from 0.301 to 1.263 mg/L, ammonia from 0.030 to 0.534 mg/L, and nitrate from 0.342 to 0.392 mg/L. In 2018, phosphate concentrations decreased (0.0053–0.3292 mg/L), while ammonia (0.0750–0.3468 mg/L) and nitrate (0.1394–0.9668 mg/L) levels increased significantly, particularly in locations close to anthropogenic activities. These findings indicate spatial and temporal dynamics in nutrient levels, which could potentially trigger eutrophication and degrade water ecosystem quality. This data is essential as a basis for water quality management and the sustainable protection of tropical peatland ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Peatland Research and Innovation