extent, it was combined with the revitalization of the local economy and/or rewetting
(canal blocking).
We monitored action research plots through seminars conducted in 2017–2019;
followed by plot observation during 2018–2019. Observation comprised visits to
plots and discussions with researchers and the communities. We considered that the
result of action research is the potential pool of knowledge in describing peatland
restoration measures and can be further developed as show windows or plots from
which we can acquire lessons learned. From our seminars, it was observed that a part
of the action research cycle, namely reflection, is required; and in our observation,
we reflected the action research results and aimed to move towards building resilience in peat ecosystem through research and knowledge development.
28.3 Revegetation Program
28.3.1 Plot in Tanjung Leban Peat Hydrological Unit
of Rokan River-Siak Kecil River
The revegetation plot is in 2,5 ha area owned by a participating local community
member (Pak Nur), aiming at restoring the peatland burnt in 2004. The plot is located
in Tanjung Leban Village within the hydrological unit of the Rokan River-Siak Kecil
River (Fig. 28.1). Related to this plot, there is a nursery in Temiang Village where
the local communities also gather wildlings from Bukit Batu Conservation Areas.
Meanwhile, in Sungai Pakning Village an arboretum has been established and it
triggers the rise of economic activities. The concept was initiated during the development of the plot in Tanjung Leban Village. It aims to connect the three villages
(Tanjung Leban, Temiang, and Sungai Pakning).
In developing the plot in Tanjung Leban Village, after planting oil palm several
times, Pak Nur’s plantations were burnt repeatedly every dry season. He had been
desperate and wanted to sell his land. Nevertheless, Dr. Haris Gunawan has
approached the owner to establish the plot by growing several indigenous peat
swamp tree species. Initially, it was a revegetation plot composed of mixed indigenous peat plant species planted in 2009. Table 28.1 lists the plants planted in the
plot of Tanjung Leban, including indigenous and adaptive species. The description
of the plots at a particular time can be seen in Fig. 28.2. Thus, the plots had been
established before the establishment of BRG RI. The plot was started with some
uncertainties about its economic value.
Nevertheless, the willingness to plant indigenous trees was then triggered by the
idea of conserving indigenous trees, which were abundant in Tanjung Leban. Pak
Nur has been maintaining the plot which was merely revegetation of several
indigenous species. In 2012, the re-wetting infrastructure was initiated by
Dr. Haris Gunawan (University of Riau) and his colleague Dr. Osamu Kozan
(Kyoto University) to strengthen and scale up community-based fire prevention
28 Show Windows and Lessons Learned from Peatland Restoration in Indonesia
755
(canal blocking).
We monitored action research plots through seminars conducted in 2017–2019;
followed by plot observation during 2018–2019. Observation comprised visits to
plots and discussions with researchers and the communities. We considered that the
result of action research is the potential pool of knowledge in describing peatland
restoration measures and can be further developed as show windows or plots from
which we can acquire lessons learned. From our seminars, it was observed that a part
of the action research cycle, namely reflection, is required; and in our observation,
we reflected the action research results and aimed to move towards building resilience in peat ecosystem through research and knowledge development.
28.3 Revegetation Program
28.3.1 Plot in Tanjung Leban Peat Hydrological Unit
of Rokan River-Siak Kecil River
The revegetation plot is in 2,5 ha area owned by a participating local community
member (Pak Nur), aiming at restoring the peatland burnt in 2004. The plot is located
in Tanjung Leban Village within the hydrological unit of the Rokan River-Siak Kecil
River (Fig. 28.1). Related to this plot, there is a nursery in Temiang Village where
the local communities also gather wildlings from Bukit Batu Conservation Areas.
Meanwhile, in Sungai Pakning Village an arboretum has been established and it
triggers the rise of economic activities. The concept was initiated during the development of the plot in Tanjung Leban Village. It aims to connect the three villages
(Tanjung Leban, Temiang, and Sungai Pakning).
In developing the plot in Tanjung Leban Village, after planting oil palm several
times, Pak Nur’s plantations were burnt repeatedly every dry season. He had been
desperate and wanted to sell his land. Nevertheless, Dr. Haris Gunawan has
approached the owner to establish the plot by growing several indigenous peat
swamp tree species. Initially, it was a revegetation plot composed of mixed indigenous peat plant species planted in 2009. Table 28.1 lists the plants planted in the
plot of Tanjung Leban, including indigenous and adaptive species. The description
of the plots at a particular time can be seen in Fig. 28.2. Thus, the plots had been
established before the establishment of BRG RI. The plot was started with some
uncertainties about its economic value.
Nevertheless, the willingness to plant indigenous trees was then triggered by the
idea of conserving indigenous trees, which were abundant in Tanjung Leban. Pak
Nur has been maintaining the plot which was merely revegetation of several
indigenous species. In 2012, the re-wetting infrastructure was initiated by
Dr. Haris Gunawan (University of Riau) and his colleague Dr. Osamu Kozan
(Kyoto University) to strengthen and scale up community-based fire prevention
28 Show Windows and Lessons Learned from Peatland Restoration in Indonesia
755