In Indonesia, peat areas are divided into two categories according to their function: areas for conservation or “peat ecosystem protection function” (FLEG), and areas that may be cultivated or areas of “peat ecosystem cultivation function” (FBEG).
Peat Ecosystem Protection Function (FLEG) is peat with certain characteristics that play a key role in protecting and preserving water balances, storing carbon, and conserving biodiversity. Peat in FLEG areas is usually over three meter deep. Utilization of peat ecosystems with protected function is very limited. It can only be used for research, science, education and/or environmental services activities.
Meanwhile, the Peat Ecosystem Cultivation Function (FBEG) is peat with certain characteristics that play a key role in supporting the productivity of the peat ecosystem through cultivation activities based on its bearing capacity. Although peat in the FBEG area can be used for cultivation, the activities carried out must adhere to sustainable peatland management because it is still part of a peat ecosystem.
The two peat ecosystem functions can be found in a single Peat Hydrological Unit (KHG). A Peat Hydrological Unit is peat ecosystem located between two rivers, between a river and the sea, and/or in a swamp area. Land management in one KHG will affect another, and vice versa. If land management that is not peat friendly is carried out in an FBEG area, it will also damage the FLEG area. Therefore, peatland management must be integrated and landscape-based.
