Efforts to prevent peatland fires through implementing local community education

Purpose This research was conducted to develop a public education model in an effort to prevent peatland fires in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This research uses qualitative and quantitative data obtained through a participatory rural appraisal approach. The approach taken is group-oriented to collect information from local communities. Field surveys were carried out by selecting locations in areas prone to peatland fires, making observations and discussing with informants at the research location. Findings The occurrence of fires in peatlands is caused by intentional and unintentional factors. Intentional factors come from traditional agricultural practices, the low cost of burning peat land, land ownership conflicts and increasing demand for agricultural land. Unintentional factors caused by lack of discipline in the people around the peatlands include throwing cigarette butts carelessly, making campfires and uncontrolled burning of rubbish. Research limitations/implications The community played a crucial role in fire prevention through the establishment of the Fire Care Community (Masyarakat Peduli Api or MPA) group. This group adopted a community-based disaster management approach. The community education model consisted of individual and mass approaches. The individual approach comprised direct and indirect communication, technical guidance and face-to-face services to the community. The mass approach included socialization and campaigns, discussion forums, social media content related to fire prevention, restoration actions and incorporating peatland fire mitigation into the local disaster curriculum. Originality/value The results of this research provide input for policymakers in efforts to prevent peatland fires in Indonesia. These findings are a model for increasing local community participation through training and guidance.