Stakeholder mapping for peatland fire management in Indonesia: The case of Kayu Labu and Tumbang Nusa Villages

Abstract

Catastrophic fire events in the last decade have led to policy changes regarding the permitted use of fire in cropping systems in Indonesia. This has led to a multi-stakeholder approach to fire management in the extensive peatland systems of Sumatra and Kalimantan. This study seeks to identify key stakeholders and to map and identify their roles in peat fire management at the village level. Two case study villages were used: Kayu Labu in South Sumatra and Tumbang Nusa in Central Kalimantan. The study was conducted using a Responsible-Accountable-Consulted-Informed (RACI) matrix. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion (FGD) in each village. Our findings showed that the Village Head was the key actor in fire management at the village level. The other stakeholders had shared roles in a largely collaborative process that included the provision of additional funding for resources and training. However, stakeholder engagement in the restoration of burnt peatland was limited, and the engagement of villagers in fire prevention and control was compromised by the threat of sanctions associated with the prohibition of burning. The findings suggest that policy commitments need to be revised in a way that ensures better engagement between external stakeholders and villagers, and focuses on the need to protect livelihoods.