The value of local wisdom for peatland fire risk reduction in the wetland area of South Kalimantan

Abstract

Mitigation of land fires that occur in wetland areas, especially in peatlands, continues to be addressed by the community in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan Province. Local wisdom that applies in the community, which includes local knowledge, local value, local skills, local sources, and regional society solidarity, is expected to reduce the risk of land fires. The research objective is to analyze the value of local wisdom for peatland fire reduction in the wetland area of South Kalimantan. The respondents interviewed were 30 from the Community and Fire Care Community or Masyarakat Peduli Api (MPA) members. Local wisdom prevailing in the community can reduce the risk of peatland fires. The community has the local knowledge, local value, local skills, local sources, and local society solidarity in managing peatlands. Peatlands managed by communities are less likely to burn than unmanaged lands. The tapulikampar system is a local wisdom in the Banjar community to prepare agricultural peatlands without burning. The Banjar community also has good skills in managing peatlands, which are not easily damaged and prone to burning. Cooperation between community groups in MPA is also well implemented in monitoring land fires and suppression efforts. The community makes maximum efforts so that peatlands are not damaged, and the risk of fire can be reduced because potential resources on peatlands must be passed on to the next generation.