Prabowo turns to experts to tackle Indonesia's peatland fires after swipe at researchers

JAKARTA: President Prabowo Subianto has turned to experts for solutions to prevent recurring forest and peatland fires and expressed his respect for science, after his recent tirade against some experts critical of his administration drew public backlash.

Prabowo held a discussion with 22 experts from various research institutions and universities on Thursday (Sept 24), during which he asked for their opinions on fire management in the fire-prone peatland areas across the country.

“Please advise me on the best steps we can take to prevent fires in forest areas, including forests with peatlands,” he said as seen in a recording of the meeting. He also asked whether peatlands can be used to grow crops.

Prabowo told the discussion that he had “the utmost respect for experts”, claiming that his public remarks were often twisted to make it seem otherwise.