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ccording to the data from the NationalCouncil on Climate Change (NCCC)(2011), worlds peatland in are the

biggest emitters, contributing 41.4% of thetotal global emissions in 2005, while theLand Use and Land Use Change (LULUCF)is the second largest emitter that contributes37% of total global emissions. Peatland areain Indonesia covers 50% of the total peatlandarea in tropical countries, and in Indonesia,38% of the total emissions from all sectorscomes from peatlands. Therefore, properpeatland management is very important tosupport Indonesia's commitment to reduceemissions by 26% by 2020.Several challenges persist in formulating acorrect policy related to peatland manage-ment due to the limited data related topeatland, such as its coverage and its depth.This is caused by the varying perception andunderstanding on peatland, so that the mostfundamental and important action is to havea standard perception and understanding onpeatland through a nationally accepteddefinition of peatland.

Realizing the importance of standardizedpeatland definition, DNPI and ICCC

proposed a new breakthrough that focuseson improvements of peatland relatedpolicies, which expectedly will impact on theimprovement of peatland management. It isby initiating a process to define peatlandthrough several expert and technical discus-sion, which involved peatland experts fromnational and international universities,related Indonesian ministries, researchinstitutions and non-government organiza-tions. Various related aspects have beendiscussed, such as the aspects to be consid-ered in defining peatland in Indonesia; themost proper peatland definition that suits thecondition and character of peatland inIndonesia; and peatland definition based onscience that can be adopted in Indonesia.

Peatland definition context for Indonesia

Peat definition is categorized into two,authoritative definition and scientific defini-

tion. Authoritative definitions have beenstated by three ministries, which are Ministryof Environment, Ministry of Agriculture andMinistry of Forestry.

by. Eli Nur Nirmala Sari

Breakthrough inReducingEmission in

Indonesia

15%

Deforestation

Degradation

Absorption

Peat Fire Land Use

Related Cause

Total Emission

Other Sector

AgriculturePeat

Decomposition

313 2,052

1,739129

243

550

300

763

246

1st Edition - August 2012 1

EditorialEstablished in October 2011 under the

US-Indonesia ComprehensivePartnership, Indonesia Climate

Change Center (ICCC) is a platform ofnetwork that reaches scientist

communities, international organiza-tions, Indonesian ministries, andacademics to encourage robust

science-policy linkages in support ofactions to deal with issues on climate

change in Indonesia.

Info ICCC is a quarterly newsletterwhich serves information on issues

and study result conducted by ICCC.ICCC encourages free dissemination

of information available on thisnewsletter for non-commercial

purpose with acknowledgement ofInfo ICCC as the source.

Info ICCC Team:Steering Committee:

Rachmat Witoelar , Agus Purnomo ,Amanda Katili Niode , Murni Titi

Resdiana , Farhan Helmy , NationalCouncil on Climate Change (DNPI)

Editor in Chief:

Farrah Mardiati , Indonesia ClimateChange Center (ICCC)

Contributors:

Eli Nur Nirmala Sari , DadangHilman , Harityas Wiyoga , Eryka DwiSurya Purnama , Indonesia Climate

Change Center (ICCC)

Feedback and suggestion on ICCC andits activity implementation can be sentthrough email to

[email protected]

or addressed

Gedung Kementerian BUMN18th floor, Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan

No.13, Jakarta 10110.

Further information on ICCC is availableon www.ICCC-network.net.

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Information Media of Indonesia Climate Change Center

S o ur c

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b a t em

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porosity and others, as well as chemical properties, such as carboncontent, ash content, pH, and C/N ratio.Most scientific peat definitions have been developed for boreal andhumid temperate regions which failed to recognize the distinctivefeatures and uses of tropical peats. The characteristics of peat inboreal and humid temperate regions are different from those oftropical peat that can be very fibric and having very high organiccontent. Temperate and boreal peats are often dominated bybryophytes and shrubs while tropical peats are often dominated bywoody materials. Therefore, those definitions need modification inorder to accommodate the peatland condition and characteristics inIndonesia.

Peatland definition by ICCC: A breakthrough

Having organized a series of technical meetings and consultationswith eminent scientists, and key stakeholders and governmentalrepresentatives from national and international organizations,Peatland definition has to include the key elements of carbon contentor mineral content and minimum thickness. After defining peatland,carbon stock and flux estimations are necessary to assess the magni-tude of GHG emission reductions for policy or management interven-tions. Based on the gap analysis lies between authoritative andscientific definition of peatland, recommendations from the expertmeeting as well as suggestion from experts and reviewer, ICCC hascome up with a peatland definition which can be used to supportIndonesias emission reduction target.

ICCC defines peatland as an area with an accumulation of partlydecomposed organic matter, with ash content equal to or less than35%, peat depth equal to or deeper than 50 cm, and organic carboncontent (by weight) of at least 12%.

A key action proposed to follow up this peatland definition is standard-izing peatland delineation. Through several expert discussions, threecategories have been identified in delineating peatland, which aredelineating based on peat layer, peatland hydrology area, and landuse of peatland area.

It is important to emphasize that the process of delineating peatland isrelated to improvements on peatland management which cansupport green house gas emission reduction. Therefore, standardiz-ing peatland definition and move forward with peatland delineationare necessary starting points to a robust policy related to peatlandand a better peatland management, which can slow the loss ofpeatland.

ICCC HighlightsInformation Media of Indonesia Climate Change Center

Each of the above ministries defines 'peat' differently, based on theirrespective management objectives. The Ministry of Environmentdefines 'peat' for the purpose of setting the standard criteria for proce-dures of measuring land degradation for biomass production. Theseprocedures are structured to achieve an understanding of methodol-ogy and suitability aspects that should be reviewed in determining thecondition and status of land degradation for biomass production forthe purposes of land degradation control. The Ministry of Agriculturedefines peat to create guidelines for using peatland for oil palmplantation development. The Ministry of Forestry defines peat todevelop technical guidelines for the special allocation fund (Dana

Alokasi Khusus = DAK) used in forestry, and considers 'rehabilitation'and 'land' (including degraded peat) as a national policy priority. Thethree ministries define peat qualitatively by specifying organiccontent as peat material. The Ministry of Agriculture defines peatsemi-quantitatively, by specifying that the percentage of organicmatter for peat to be more than 65%. The three definitions providedare still too general to describe 'peat' in Indonesia.Meanwhile, several scientific or taxonomic definitions have beenintroduced and acknowledged by scientific communities, includingthose developed by Wst et al. (2003), Moris (1989), Andrejko et al.(1983), Landva et al. (1983), Jarrett (1983), Mankinen and Gelfer(1982), Kearns et al. (1982), Kivinen and Heikurainen (1979), Davis(1946), and Arman (1923) (Table 2). Most scientific definitions arebased on field observations and analyses of peat soil properties. Thekey elements for those definitions include physical properties, such asdecomposition (humification) degree, bulk density, water content,

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The Ministry of Environment of Indonesia defines peat as aplant residue formed naturally through long-term decomposi-tion processes, accumulating in swamp areas or staticreservoirs. (Peraturan Menteri Negara Lingkungan Hidup No.07/2006)

The Ministry of Agriculture defines peat as soil formed as aresult of organic matter accumulation with a naturally occurringcomposition of greater than 65% from the decaying vegetationgrowing on it, whose decomposition is slowed down byanaerobic and wet conditions. (Peraturan Menteri PertanianNo. 14/Permentan/PL.110/2/2009)

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Forestry defines peat as organicmatter residue accumulating over a long period of time.(Peraturan Menteri Kehutanan Republik Indonesia No.P.69/Menhut-II/20122)

Berbak Peatland Forest,Jambi - Sumatra.(Matt Warren/USFS)

1st Edition - August 2012


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Information Media of Indonesia Climate Change CenterICCC Highlights

ICCC Portal: Visualizing Data on a Map


eveloping a portal is one of ICCCs work programs as it will be the center of information about the issues and study findings generatedby ICCC. This portal is a medium that contains both static and dynamic data that can be accessed by a wide audience, especiallyconnected to data, science and model related to the available themes, that are presented with the support of the latest facilities and

technology. It is hoped that the portal will become a forum for the dissemination of scientific discussions, data, reports, publications and othersources of information that anyone, anywhere can reach.

Data that are presented in the portal are static such as matters connected with organizations, and also dynamic such as news that will be keptup to date on a regular basis. In addition, the portal also offers a data base related to the different programs of the Cluster and also an interactive

visual function so that the community can align their needs for the information they are looking for. In addition to providing information for analy-sis and integration, the portal will also accommodate discussions among stakeholders and the general public.

Supported by the data provided by ICCC team, the portal has already been introduced to the relevant community at an event called the Indone-sia Climate Change Education Forum and Expo 2012 that was held on 19 April 2012. The launch of ICCC Portal ran smoothly immediately afterthe opening ceremony of the Forum and Expo which was attended by the Environment Minister, the Governor of East Kalimantan and invitedguests from overseas.

The portals development process will continue and right now it has reached the stage at which it can be used. The knowledge transfer process

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from the portals developer to ICCC has already beencarried out. The process that is going on at themoment is the compiling of documentation about thedevelopment of the portal, like its technical guide,users guide, projections about the development ofthe portal, its source code, and other technicaldocuments.

The development of the integrated portal uses theMashup concept, which is utilizing and synergizingvarious web services available on the internet, withregard to data, functionality and presentation. Thefinal result from the Maship concept is a dynamicpresentation which is rich in content. The portal alsooffers content such as presentations, statisticalinformation and dynamic visualization throughinfographics which is the next activity target for ICCCportal. The development of the integrated portal willbe carried out with the development of a spatial andnon-spatial data base that is integrated with variousinformation networks, both national and international,especially those related to the cluster activity, includ-

ing the National Spatial Data Network (Jaringan DataSpasial Nasional - JDSN) coordinated by the BadanInformasi Geospasial dan Pengembangan Jejaring(Geospatial Information and Network Building

Agency) coordinated by the REDD+ Work Unit.


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ICCC HighlightsInformation Media of Indonesia Climate Change Center

The worlds peatlands are threatened by drainage and wild fires. Available data shows that more than 300,000 hectares of peatland inIndonesia is degraded annually, totaling approximately 10 million hectares damaged peatland so far. (Eli Nur Nirmala Sari/ICCC).

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by. Eli Nur Nurmala Sari

lobally, peat occupies only 2.7% of the worlds land-mass, butit stores approximately 30% of terrestrial peatland carbonstocks. This figure represents huge amounts of carbon, by far

greater than any other types of forests in the world. The worldspeatlands are threatened by drainage and wild fires. Available datashows that more than 300,000 hectares of peatland in Indonesia isdegraded annually, totaling approximately 10 million hectaresdamaged peatland so far. Peatland degradation, thus, results in largeremissions compared to those of any other.

Indonesia has the largest peatland area in Southeast Asia, and is oneof the five major tropical peatland countries in the world. The otherfour are Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Papua New Guinea,and Malaysia. According to Joosten and Clarke (2002) in WetlandInternational (2011), around thirty countries are responsible for thelargest greenhouse gas emissions from peatland, including manyfrom non-Annex I countries. The majority of the 130 million hectares ofpeatland in non-Annex I countries are naturally forested, containingabout 100 billion tonnes of carbon - most of which is in their soils.

The degradation of peatland in developing countries throughdrainage and peat fires causes annual emissions of an estimated 1.2billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. In Southeast Asia the loss of peatlandhas been dramatic. In the last 20 years, more than 12 million hectareshave been drained; and more than 3 million hecatres have beenburnt. The recent decline of peatland forests is twice the rate ofdecline of other forests.

There needs to be urgent action to halt this. In the context of globalemission, however, peatland has not been discussed specifically andintensively. At the UNFCCC, peatland is included in the wetlands

category, and it has been discussed by the Ad Hoc Working Group onFurther Commitments for Annex 1 Parties under the Kyoto Protocol(AWG-KP), specifically under Land Use, Land Use and Forestry(LULUCF) section. There has been little attention to bring peatland toglobal attention. Lack of information, unreliable data, and other uncer-tainties discourage state parties to discuss and negotiate peatland atthe UNFCCC forum. However, a new accounting activity is proposedfor the second commitment period to provide incentives to reduceemissions from drained peatland in Annex-I countries. The UNFCCCdefinition of forest covers all peat forests, including all peat foreststemporarily destocked (deforested) as these will naturally revert toforest at some point in time. In the future, peatlands not naturallyreforested could possibly also be addressed under this or othersimilar mechanism.

The REDD mechanism offers tremendous opportunities for protectingand restoring peat forests. Under REDD+ negotiations, however,peatland has not yet been specifically treated as an important compo-nent. None of the state parties have brought sufficient attention to thismatter. Political and technical constraints are the main barriers for notbringing peatlands to national or global attention. Yet, inclusion ofincentives to support the reduction of emissions from degradation ofpeatland and other forest types with high carbon stocks is crucial inany future REDD mechanism.

Reducing emissions from peatland in REDD could involve five areas,such as protection of remaining intact peat forests; restoration ofdegraded and drained peatland; prevention of peat forest fires; restric-tion the development of new plantation concessions on peat; andreduction of emissions from existing plantations.

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Bringing forward Peatland

Issues to InternationalCommunities



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Information Media of Indonesia Climate Change CenterICCC Activity

Finalizing Peatlands Definition for Indonesias a follow up to the preliminary discussions about determining the definition of peatland, the Indonesia Climate Change Center(ICCC) held a meeting on 10 May 2012 in order to process the finalization of the policy brief on the definition of peatlands by

compiling the suggestions and recommendations of the participants in the course of finalizing the policy brief.The agreement reached at this meeting was that peatlands have to be defined according to measurable indicators such as theconcentration of carbon or minerals stored in the peat, the depth of the peat (with surveys in the field), the estimated carbon reservesand the carbon flux. However, social and economic factors also have to be considered more specifically during the peatland delinea-tion process.

When defining and decribing the land, the first stage is establishing a general definition of peatland and the second stage is to elabo-rate upon that definition of peatland according to the description of the layers of peat, its hydrological measurements, and finally ananalysis of the management of the peatland in order to know how the land may be used while not increasing the emissions. Thesestages are thought of as facilitating policy makers in carrying out activities in support of REDD.

Peatland Mapping Methodology After the series of meetings for experts to finalize the process ofdefining peatlands, ICCC has already held a follow up meetingon 20 June 2012 to discuss the standards for peatland

mapping methodology which was attended by scientists, along withrepresentatives from government departments and bodies, and bothnational and international organizations.

This meeting sought to deliver the results of the formulation of the'Definition of Peatland as well as discuss a scientifically precisepeatland mapping methodology that has been, and needs to be,implemented in Indonesia in order to support emission reductiontargets.

In order to provide accurate data in support of emissions reduction,the government needs to work with scientists to establish the basicparameters that need to be used in a mapping activity. In addition tothis, it is also important to review the results of the work of governmentinstitutions as well as the researchers with regard to the mapping ofpeatland. With this, stakeholders are able to identify current activitiesso as to determine various matters which need to be followed up.

A further meeting to discuss peatland mapping methodology will beheld in the first week of August 2012 to seek a consensus among theexperts related to the methods used to delineate and map peatland inIndonesia, as well as monitoring methods.

Peatland mapping methodology workshop held as a follow up to thepeatland denition and delineation process (Harityas Wiyoga/ICCC).

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The meeting of experts who nalized the denition of the peatlands (Farrah Mardiati/ICCC)

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by. Dadang Hilman

s a large nation that is also an archipelago with about 17,000 islands, Indonesia needs comprehensive solutions to the challengesstemming from climate change, which integrate, into the the nations development plan, measures aimed at adapting to the change.

In the development of actions to tackle the issues of climate change, especially in terms of adaptation or climate resilience, Indonesiaalready has a wide range of programs or activities undertaken by various ministries / agencies. However, given the broad and complex scope,there are rooms for improvement and refinement for future implementation. The most strategic one is to bring science-based policies to addresscross-cutting issues so that it can be implemented, especially in the most vulnerable areas.

To meet this challenge, ICCC through the Climate Resilience Cluster aims at strengthening the existing and ongoing efforts, as well as identifiedand fill in the gap between what the needs in the fields and appropriate policies related to climate resilience in Indonesia.

ICCC will undertake several activities focusing on facilitation of scientific discussion forum with scientists and academics from various disciplinesand interaction with the representatives of the authoritative or partners, to be followed up further to the decision-makers at the national level.

The approach used by the Climate Resilience Cluster was to establish three sectors that would be the focus of the study, namely agriculture,urban management, and coastal areas along with various aspects related to climate risk management. While developing its work program, theClimate Resilience Cluster has already held discussions about Climate Resilience in the Agriculture Sector. That meeting had the purpose ofstudying the appropriate scientific approach to support food security in particular when addressing the problem of climate resilience. The inputsreceived at this meeting will form the basis for developing the Climate Resilience Clusters work plan with regard to the agriculture sector. Inparallel to this, the Cluster has also made a gap analysis the focus of another study, such as urban management and coastal analysis.

Climate Resilience Cluster-Indonesia Climate Change Center

Information Media of Indonesia Climate Change Center ICCC Highlights

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n 2010, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and PresidentObama reached an agreement on cooperation between theIndonesian and U.S. governments within the framework of the

U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership. The two nations set outa Plan of Action that covers six working parties, namely in the fieldsof education, defence and security, energy, democracy and civil

society, trade and investment, as well as climate and the environ-ment. One of the activities announced by the two presidents was theestablishment of the Climate Change Study Center in Indonesiawhich was followed up on by the working party on climate andenvironment.

Here are some quotes from an interview with the Executive Chair ofthe National Council on Climate Change Indonesia (DNPI),Rachmat Witoelar, about the setting up of the climate change studycenter which is called the Indonesia Climate Change Center (ICCC).

Q: Why does Indonesia need a Climate Change Center?

A: Right now, Indonesia is actively involved in world efforts tocombat climate change because it was the first developingnation to voluntarily commit to reducing its emisions by 26%before 2020. Indonesia is very aware that the issue of climate isa very important component of development. Of course, it isnot something that can be handled by just one or two individu-als or organisations, and it is better for it to be done coopera-tively within a work network.

Meanwhile in Indonesia, the availability of data on climatechange is very varied, and it is possible for this data to differfrom one organisation to the next. Therefore, in order to build adevelopment strategy that embraces social, economic,environmental, and climate change elements, as well asinternational links, it is very important for Indonesia to have oneumbrella organization or network that provides data aboutclimate chage that integrates scientific and socio-economicmatters.

What needs to be emphasized is that ICCC will become anetwork that will involve national and international scientificexperts, and policy makers such as the relevant governmentbodies in Indonesia, as well as working with other countriesincluding developing countries, in order to produce scientificstudies and recommendations about climate change inIndonesia that can become references for developmentstrategy and policy in this country.

Q: What about the possibility of there being similar entities inthe future and what differentiates ICCC from other bodiesaddressing the issue of climate change that already exist.

A: There being similar entities is not impossible. We very muchrespect other existing bodies in Indonesia and we will of courseinvolve them in this cooperation. The DNPI, headed by thePresident, has the bigger mandate because of the presidential

decree. As the initiator of ICCC, DNPI has the task of handlingthe conciliation between all these elements. As such, it ishoped that ICCC will function to facilitate coordination betweenthese various players over the issue of climate change.

Q: What are the challenges faced by ICCC in the efforts tosupport the reduction of emissions in Indonesia?

A: Firstly there is institution building so that the different elementsdo not collide or overlap. Secondly, a challenge for us is to bereliable in gathering together all the experts and building alarge network that includes the individual experts, environmen-tal study centers, and other related institutions.

Q: According to you, what is the target for success for ICCC insupporting Indonesias efforts to reduce emissions?

A: ICCCs target for success is qualitative, that is to say if we can

respond to these issues by providing scientific knowledge,data, and facilities including human resources, information andcommunication resources, and the web site. These are thingsthat will enable ICCC to carry out its function as a center forclimate change, environment and development strategies forIndonesia.

T: What are your hopes with regard to ICCC?

A: ICCC needs to acquit itself seriously and be committed togathering experts together and lobbying institutions. The teamthat has been set up has to reach out and I myself will link theteam up to cooperation at the international level, because sincethe team was formed ICCC has been an international coopera-tion.

As such, my hope is that this partnership will be strong andcontinuous, as well as able to attract and accept interestedparties from other countries so that ICCC can always provide aservice with regard to development strategies, in Indonesiaespecially.

by. Farrah Mardiati

Information Media of Indonesia Climate Change CenterInterview

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Rachmat Witoelar:Executive Chair of the National Council on Climate Change Indonesia

(DNPI)

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Rachmat WitoelarOn The Visionand Mission of

ICCC



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Information Media of Indonesia Climate Change Center ICCC Activity

Workshop on Climate Resilience in Agriculture

t cannot be denied that modern technology and progress in theagriculture sector has helped increase productivity. This has beenfundamental in fulfilling the needs, with regard to food, of

Indonesias ever increasing population, in making the economy growas necessary, and contributing to poverty reduction in countries thatrely on their agricultural products, as Indonesia does. However, incertain situations, modern and advanced technology can causeecological damage, soil degradation, unsustainable use of resources,epidemics of pests and diseases, as well as cause health problemsfor both livestock and humans. With this challenge in mind, ICCC setup its Climate Resilience Cluster which will consider climate resiliencepolicy and action in the agriculture, urban and coastal sectors.

As a first step, ICCC has held a one day workshop on climateresilience in the agriculture sector. The aim of this workshop was todiscuss agriculture concepts that can improve food security while atthe same time support the emission reduction program. In addition tothis, the meeting also discussed activities related to adapting toclimate change and mitigation steps in the agriculture sector as wellas supporting aspects such as information about climate and weatherissues, funding and negotiation.

At this workshop, ICCC invited representatives from the FAO to makea presentation about the concept of climate friendly farming. Othersubjects presented and discussed were micro-assurance for poorfarmers, the meteorological agencys services that support climateresilience with regard to agriculture, the impact of greenhouse gaseson agriculture in Indonesia, along with its application to agriculture inIndonesia.

Meanwhile, five important points were successfully identified in thisWorkshop on Climate Resilience in the Agriculture Sector and thesewill be explored further by the Climate Resilience Cluster. The Clusterneeds to hold more focused discussions on the availability of dataand information, assessment and analysis (policy assessment &policy matrix) of existing agriculture policy, the calendar for sowingcrops with a focus on synergizing the Agriculture Ministry and theBMKG (Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology andGeophysics), especially with regard to the flow of information down tothe Sub-district level. No less important was the focused discussionon government intervention into micro-assurance for poor farmers,along with the issue of integrating mitigation aspects into the climateresilience program (including the issue of deforestation).

n 16 July, the Coordinator of the Climate Resilience Cluster partici-pated in a field activity that was organized by the DNPI (National Coun-cil on Climate Change Indonesia). This activity was a visit to the site of

the Biorights Project that is run by Wetland International.

Visiting the coastal area of Serang, Banten, or more precisely, the village ofSawah Luhur, ICCC had the opportunity to communicate with local aquacul-ture farmers who were involved in taking adaptation measures, restoring themangroves in support of sustainable shrimp and bandeng (milkfish) farming,increasing productivity which had a knock on effect on their financial situation,

while at the same time supporting efforts to adapt to climate change. This visitwas an initiation in seeing at first hand adaptation measures in the coastalarea, which is one of the focuses of ICCC program by way of its ClimateResilience Cluster, in addition to agriculture and urban management.

Capturing Aquaculture

Farmers AdaptationMeasures in Serang, Banten

Representing the World Bank, Yoko Doi explains the concept of micro-assurance for small farmers at theClimate Resilience and Agriculture Workshop (Farrah Mardiati/ICCC)

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Taking pictures of aquaculture farmers takingadaptation measures in Serang, Banten. In addition tobeing one effort to adapt to climate change in coastal

areas, restoration of mangroves by the aquaculturefarmers also supports the improvement of aquaculture

production (Farrah Mardiati/ICCC).

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