The forest fires that occurred in Indonesia the 1990s and 2000s are main factors highlighted in forest mismanagement. These also include the conversion of peatland to paddy rice fields, illegal logging, and the use of forest conservation areas for oil palm plantations, mining and industrial timber plantations. These conditions eventually induce forest degradation, deforestation and forest fires. From a legal perspective, the central and local governments as well as law enforcement impose hard sanctions on those who break the law.

The research focuses the role of local people as well as other stakeholders to contribute to peatland management to tackle forest fires by 1) adhering to regulations on making fires in the customary forest lands (for paddy rice cultivation), 2) making canals to wet their peatland, 3) establishing groups prevent and fight forest fires (Kelompok Pemadaman Api), and 4) establishing socio-economic empowerment programs. The research also investigates lessons from Hokkaido, including agro-production, technology application, fertilizer use, and canal blocking. It also examines how local people, together with the central and local governments, academics, and NGOs, properly manage the peatlands of Hokkaido for paddy production, cow pastures, and other agricultural products.