BRIN studies cassava use for forest and land fire management

Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Arif Satria said the agency is currently studying the use of cassava as one alternative in handling forest and land fires (karhutla). Arif said the study is theoretically possible to implement. BRIN has also coordinated with the National Police to prepare the use of this technology in handling forest and land fires.

“BRIN has conducted the study. Theoretically, it is indeed very possible, and BRIN has coordinated with the National Police in order to prepare it,” said Arif at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Friday.

“We are still waiting for updates on the preparations, hopefully there will be results in the near future,” he said.

In addition to studying the use of cassava, Arif said BRIN is also coordinating with the National Police and the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in handling forest and land fires, including through weather modification technology.

“BRIN has also found several technologies and materials for weather modification such as Jumakron, NaCl 25 micron, which is more efficient for use in weather modification technology,” he concluded.

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto said “ubi bombing” could be an alternative method for handling forest and land fires so that fires can be extinguished more quickly, effectively and thoroughly. In a meeting on forest and land fire management in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Monday (24/8), the President requested that the innovation made from cassava be developed immediately and tested on a larger scale. The Head of State also requested that the production budget requirements be submitted immediately so that the government can support the research, production and effectiveness testing process.