Jakarta, Sept. 24 -- President Prabowo Subianto has directed that scientists and local communities be involved in the operations of the planned National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN), which will oversee Indonesia's peatland and mangrove ecosystems.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Thursday, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto said involving scientists was part of an effort to strengthen knowledge- and research-based policies for peatland management.

Brian said the president had agreed to the proposal to establish the agency after scientists demonstrated the need for a dedicated institution to manage the ecosystems.

"Having data and manag...