BRIN Studies Proposal to Use Cassava as Tool to Extinguish Forest Fires
Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Arif Satria has said that using cassava flour to extinguish forest and land fires (karhutla) is theoretically possible and plausible.
However, the agency will conduct a deeper study of the proposal previously put forward by National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.
“We conveyed to the National Police Chief that scientifically it is actually something that makes sense, something that is feasible. So now, as soon as I received the news, we carried out a theoretical study. The molecular chemistry experts at BRIN conducted the study and immediately conveyed that it is indeed theoretically correct,” Arif said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Friday, 28 August 2026.
Arif said BRIN is working with the National Police to conduct trials at various scales. This is important because the success of cassava flour in extinguishing forest and land fires has so far only been demonstrated on a small scale. In addition, a study is needed on the mechanism for dispersing cassava flour at fire locations.
“For a large scale, there are questions about the mixture of substances and about the technique for extinguishing the fire. It is impossible to scatter it by hand; certain equipment must be used, and that is currently being studied,” he said.
Arif stated that President Prabowo Subianto has asked BRIN to study various technological options for tackling forest and land fire disasters. In addition to studying the use of cassava flour, BRIN is also continuing to examine weather modification technology.
“Weather modification technology with various latest technologies can, I think, be implemented. We have already coordinated with the Indonesian Air Force and with BMKG, because the operator for carrying out weather modification technology is BMKG,” he said.
It was previously reported that President Prabowo Subianto has encouraged government officials to continue seeking innovations in handling forest and land fires, including developing alternative extinguishing agents. The head of state made the remarks while chairing a forest fire handling meeting at the main command post of the South Sumatra Forest and Land Fire Task Force in Palembang on Monday, 24 August 2026.
During the meeting, Prabowo stressed that the remaining burned area of approximately 1,900 hectares in South Sumatra should be extinguished as soon as possible. The head of state asked relevant officials to evaluate every obstacle in the field and to immediately submit requests for additional support if assistance from the central government is needed.