Wedoany.com Report on Feb 9th, the Environmental Management Agency of the Ministry of Environment (KLH/BPLH) and the APP Group jointly held the KELANA Project event in the operational area of PT Wira Karya Sakti, Region 7, Jambi Province. The event organized learning activities for young people on sustainable management methods for peatland ecosystems.
Dozens of students from various high schools across Indonesia participated in interactive discussions and field visits, focusing on knowledge related to peatland conservation and management. Edy Nugroho Santoso, Director of Peatland Ecosystem Protection and Management at KLH/BPLH, stated: "The KELANA Project is dedicated to enhancing young people's awareness of the ecological functions and economic value of peatlands. Peatlands not only play a crucial ecological role but can also provide economic benefits. We hope this project demonstrates that peatland conservation and sustainable economic benefits can be achieved simultaneously."
He further explained that participants also learned about the connection between peatland and mangrove ecosystems as components of wetlands, particularly their roles in biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and hydrological regulation. Although these ecosystems are distributed across different landscapes, they all play important roles in addressing climate change. The site selection was based on the good practices in peatland hydrological management implemented by PT WKS Region 7, as well as the community empowerment measures being advanced in the area, which align with KLH/BPLH's policy direction of promoting public-private partnerships.
Iwan Setiawan, Deputy Director of Corporate Strategy and Relations at APP Group, noted: "By participating in the KELANA Project, we support KLH in enabling young people to observe firsthand how peatlands can be managed responsibly, generating continuous economic value while maintaining environmental functions." Princessa Erilca Ratu, a student from SMA Negeri 1 Manado, felt that the practical activities deepened her understanding of wetlands and their connection to daily life and sustainable development. Sophie Kirana, the Indonesian Environment Princess, also stated that the KELANA Project provided a comprehensive perspective on the importance of peatland ecosystems, emphasizing that peatlands should not be viewed as idle land but as important ecological resources that require collective protection.
The KELANA Project arranged several experiential activities, including demonstrations of peatland water management, visits to channel blocking infrastructure, peat drilling demonstrations, introductions to forest and land fire prevention measures, showcases of non-timber forest product utilization (such as honey), tree planting activities, and visits to the monitoring and field preparation systems situation room. These activities helped young people understand the practical methods of sustainable peatland management from multiple angles.
