Distribution and Potential of Peatlands in Asmat Regency, Papua, Indonesia
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the distribution and potential uses of peatland in Asmat Regency, Papua, Indonesia, a region that holds significant peatland areas of global ecological and economic importance. Through a combination of field surveys, remote sensing data analysis, and laboratory soil testing, the study maps the extent, depth, and characteristics of peat soils across the Asmat Regency. The findings reveal diverse peatland ecosystems, ranging from coastal mangroves to inland freshwater swamps, with peat depths exceeding 3 meters in several areas, indicating substantial carbon storage capacity. The study evaluates the soil'sphysicochemical properties, such as acidity (pH), organic matter content, and nutrient availability, which are crucial for determining its suitability for agriculture, forestry, and conservation efforts. Additionally, the research addresses the challenges of sustainable management and the risks associated with peatland degradation, such as carbon emissions and biodiversity loss. It proposes strategies for utilizing peat soils that align with environmental conservation and sustainable development goals. This includes recommendations for agroforestry practices, peatland restoration, and the implementation of community-based management approaches that benefit the local population while preserving these vital ecosystems. The study underscores the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific research to foster the sustainable use of peat soils in Asmat Regency and similar contexts globally.
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Introduction
Indonesia is ranked 4th in the world for its potential in extensive peat deposits. These deposits are spread across Indonesia, covering approximately 17 million hectares in 1987, or about 60% of the world'stropical peatlands. The island of Papua alone has about 8.5 million hectares of peatland, approximately 50% of Indonesia'stotal peatland area. With the widespread presence of peatlands in Indonesia, it represents a potential that can be developed for various purposes and can support the local economy. Otherwise, according to Harrison et al., (2019), the Indonesian government acknowledges the presence of peatlands in Papua, which account for approximately 25% to 38% of the total Indonesian peatland area. Papua holds a substantial amount of carbon within its peatlands, contributing to the vast peat carbon storage in Indonesia (Warren et al., 2017). These peatlands are part of the larger Indonesian peatland area, which is distributed across Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Papua (Graham et al., 2016). Indonesia, the country with the largest peatland area globally, has a significant portion of its peatlands located in Papua (Suwito et al., 2021).
In the last decade, there has been increasing concern over the significant loss and damage to the peatland ecosystem in Indonesia, leading to the destruction of peatland biodiversity, water management issues, and the release of millions of tons of carbon into the air. The conversion of peatlands, drainage, and over-exploitation of peatlands have been known to cause fires that have destroyed or damaged peatlands. To avoid further degradation, immediate efforts are needed to improve this condition by involving various parties. Efforts have been undertaken to restore degraded tropical peatlands in Indonesia, including those in Papua. The establishment of the Peat Restoration Agency (PRA) aimed at restoring burned peatland areas, encompassing approximately two million hectares across several provinces, including Papua (Yuwati et al., 2021). Additionally, sustainable management practices have been proposed to address climate change through the management of degraded peatlands in Central Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Papua (Surahman et al., 2019). These initiatives underscore the importance of tackling the challenges associated with peatland conservation and restoration in Papua and other regions of Indonesia.
One of the parties directly linked to the management of these peatlands is the community. Community involvement in reducing the threat and damage to peatlands is very significant, given the interaction with the utilization patterns and rate of damage. An essential action that the community can take is to guide how to manage peatlands for utilization purposes with traditional cultural patterns (local wisdom) that integrate the development of cultivation technology and agricultural cultural values. The concept of asocial license to operate (SLO) has been adapted from business management literature to assess the impact of community engagement on peatland restoration in Indonesia (Wiesner & Dargusch, 2022). This underscores the importance of community participation in peatland management initiatives. Additionally, exploring community home yard innovations in utilizing degraded peatlands has the potential to restore peatlands and enhance livelihoods, showcasing the dual benefits of community-led initiatives (Sakuntaladewi et al., 2022). Efforts to engage communities in peatland restoration have been observed in various regions. For example, a study in Sungai Tohor, Indonesia, showcased the active participation of the community in peatland restoration efforts (Handoko et al., 2020). Furthermore, the Village Fund for Peatlands Restoration in the Muaro Jambi District illustrates how community engagement can address challenges and opportunities in peatland restoration (Sujai et al., 2021).
The purpose of this study is to identify the location, boundaries, extent, and allocation of peatlands in the area around Asmat Regency. The objective of this work is to guide the community and government on the management of peatland areas in connection with economic activities in Asmat Regency.
Conclusion
The comprehensive study conducted on the distribution and potential of peatlands in Asmat Regency, Papua, Indonesia, has provided invaluable insights into the ecological and economic importance of these ecosystems. Through meticulous field surveys, remote sensing data analysis, and laboratory soil testing, the research has unveiled the extensive and diverse peatland ecosystems within the region, highlighting their significant carbon storage capacity and the role they play in global climate regulation. The study’sfindings emphasize the varied physicochemical properties of peat soils, underlining their potential for sustainable agriculture, forestry, and conservation efforts, while also drawing attention to the challenges of peatland degradation.
The study proposes a set of strategies for the sustainable management of peatlands that include agroforestry practices, peatland restoration, and the adoption of community-based management approaches. These recommendations aim to balance environmental conservation with the economic development needs of the local population, thereby ensuring the long-term preservation of these vital ecosystems. Moreover, the research stresses the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific research, advocating for a collaborative approach to the sustainable use of peat soils in Asmat Regency and beyond. Furthermore, the socioeconomic and cultural analyses reveal the dynamic relationship between the community and its environment, highlighting the significance of adapting agricultural practices to local conditions and the potential impact of community engagement in peatland management. The study’scomprehensive approach, combining physical, chemical, and socio-economic analyses, offers a robust foundation for informing policy and practice, aiming to foster the sustainable utilization and conservation of peatlands not only in Asmat Regency but also in similar contexts worldwide. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The successful completion of this study on the distribution and potential of peatlands in Asmat Regency, Papua, Indonesia, is the result of the generous support, collaboration, and contributions of numerous individuals and organizations, to whom we owe our deepest gratitude, especially for Local Government of Asmat Regency for financial and facilities support.
