Palembang, South Sumatra – The Sriwijaya Military District Command in South Sumatra is overseeing a pilot project on the utilization of peat land for agricultural purposes.

The project, on 50 hectares of land in Kayu Agung district, Ogan Komering Ilir regency, was inaugurated by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Joko Santoso on Saturday.

By developing the peat land for agricultural purposes, the military hopes to curb fires and at the same time address the problems of poverty and unemployment. "If the project proves successful, it will not only be felt by residents of Ogan Komering Ilir, but all Indonesians," Joko said.

Joko said the military would provide security for the project to help ensure its success. "If all 1.3 million hectares of peat land was developed like this, there would no longer be fires....," he said.

Ogan Komering Ilir Regent Ishak Mekki said about 48 percent of the regency was forested, with 75 percent of this area swamps and peat land.