Riau, Indonesia – The Research Grant Team from the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) conducted field verification of peatland fire sites in Riau Province as part of a research project entitled “Validation of Flaming and Smouldering Fire Identification in Peatlands Using a Remote Sensing Approach.” Led by Dr. Emilya Nurjani, S.Si., M.Si., together with two research team members, the study aims to validate remote sensing image interpretation through direct field observations, thereby improving the accuracy of identifying peatland fire characteristics, particularly the flaming and smouldering fire types, which remain a major challenge in satellite-based fire monitoring.
The research activities commenced with a coordination meeting with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Riau Province on 21 May 2026. The meeting served as a strategic step in obtaining historical wildfire data, discussing the latest conditions in fire-affected areas, and determining the most representative locations for field verification. Beyond strengthening collaboration between academia and local government, the coordination ensured that all research activities were based on the most up-to-date field information and accurately reflected the current conditions of fire-prone areas.
Field verification was subsequently carried out from 23–25 May 2026 in Teluk Lanus Village, Siak Regency, Riau Province, one of Indonesia’s peatland regions with a long history of recurrent fires. During the field campaign, the research team conducted a series of observations, including collecting geographic coordinates using the Global Positioning System (GPS), documenting site conditions, identifying burned areas, and comparing land cover characteristics with satellite image interpretations. The collected data constitute an essential component of the validation process for peatland fire identification algorithms and are expected to enhance the accuracy of remote sensing-based analyses.
Conducting research in peatland ecosystems involved considerable geographical and logistical challenges. The research team traveled approximately three to four hours by land from Pekanbaru City to Tanjung Buton Port, passing through several sections of difficult road conditions. The journey then continued by speedboat for approximately two hours to reach Teluk Lanus Village. Since transportation to the research site depended on the operational schedule of speedboats, which only operated on certain days, the team had to carefully plan every stage of the fieldwork to ensure that all research activities could be completed on schedule.
Despite the accessibility challenges and the dynamic field conditions, the entire verification process was successfully completed according to the research plan. Spatial data, field documentation, and information on the characteristics of burned peatland areas were successfully collected and will be used to support the development and evaluation of satellite image-based peatland fire identification algorithms. The findings are expected to improve the precision of distinguishing peatland fire types, thereby contributing to more effective fire monitoring systems.
The Principal Investigator, Dr. Emilya Nurjani, S.Si., M.Si., emphasized that field validation is a crucial stage in remote sensing research, as it serves to ensure that information derived from satellite imagery accurately represents actual field conditions.
“Remote sensing provides extensive and efficient spatial information; however, the accuracy of image interpretation must always be verified through direct field observations. Therefore, this field verification is an indispensable component of ensuring that the flaming and smouldering fire identification methods we are developing achieve a high level of accuracy and can be applied more broadly to support peatland fire mitigation efforts in Indonesia,” said Dr. Emilya.
She further expressed hope that the research would not only contribute to the advancement of knowledge in remote sensing and disaster studies but also serve as a scientific reference for developing more adaptive and evidence-based peatland fire mitigation strategies. More accurate fire detection methods are expected to support faster and more informed decision-making, particularly in preventing and responding to fires in highly vulnerable peatland ecosystems.
This research also demonstrates the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By developing more accurate peatland fire monitoring methods, the project contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by strengthening climate change mitigation and reducing wildfire risks. It also supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) by enhancing the protection and sustainable management of peatland ecosystems, while contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through the provision of information that supports the sustainability of agricultural landscapes and food security in regions vulnerable to peatland fires.
Looking ahead, the findings of this research are expected to provide a foundation for developing more precise and practical peatland fire identification methods while strengthening the application of remote sensing technology in environmental management, disaster risk reduction, and evidence-based policymaking. Through research that integrates technological innovation with rigorous field verification, the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada remains committed to producing impactful research that contributes to sustainable development, environmental resilience, and improved natural resource governance in Indonesia.
Author: Nurlaila Sahara W
Editor: Hikmatun Lampadjoa