BRIN: Cassava flour for forest fire suppression still in trial phase

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has stated that the use of cassava flour to help extinguish forest and land fires (karhutla) is still in the study and trial phase, and is therefore not yet ready for production or widespread application.

BRIN Head Arif Satria said the agency had conducted a theoretical study after receiving information about the practice of using cassava flour to help put out fires. “As soon as I received the news, we carried out a theoretical study. The molecular chemistry experts at BRIN conducted the study and immediately reported that it is indeed theoretically correct,” Arif said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Friday.

According to Arif, applying the method to large-scale forest and land fires presents its own challenges. One issue is the method of dispersing the material, as manual application is not feasible. “For a large scale, there are questions about the mixture of substances and the technique for extinguishing the fire. It cannot be sprinkled by hand; it requires certain equipment, and that is currently being studied,” he explained.

Arif said the testing process is part of BRIN’s function to scientifically validate various practices or technologies developing in society. He therefore asked the public not to assume that cassava flour is already ready for use in tackling forest and land fires. The National Police and BRIN teams are still preparing studies and trials on a larger scale. “The National Police team and the BRIN team are preparing that, conducting studies and also carrying out trials,” Arif said.