Indicators of success for peatland restoration in Indonesia

• Peatland restoration remains one of the largest global opportunities for mitigating carbon emissions, protecting biodiversity and improving the prosperity, health and wellbeing of peatland communities. However, many challenges with implementing equitable and sustainable peatland restoration in practice remain and research efforts are often isolated and piecemeal. • This study conducts a systematic review of peatland restoration efforts in Indonesia, with a particular focus on Central Kalimantan, to synthesise current knowledge and identify evidence-based criteria and indicators of restoration success. Using PRISMA guidelines, 246 records from 2015 to 2024 were critically reviewed and categorised into ten thematic areas: baseline data, rewetting, revegetation, revitalization of local livelihoods, carbon dynamics, fire prevention, governance, community participation, restoration cost and vision. • For each theme, we developed 1-3 criteria and associated indicators that reflect both ecological and socio-economic dimension of success. These indicators were derived from the literature and address key gaps in current monitoring and evaluation practices, particularly the underrepresentation of social, governance and interdisciplinary metrics. • Our findings highlight the need for integrated, community-driven governance and adaptive strategies that align restoration efforts with ecological and socio-economic goals. The proposed indicator framework offers a practical tool for policymakers, practitioners and researchers to assess and guide peatland restoration in Indonesia and similar contexts.