Prabowo Tries Drinking Water Processed by BRIN from Seawater

President Prabowo Subianto inspected a number of technologies developed by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) at the Palace in Jakarta. Prabowo was seen drinking water produced by a seawater processing device that turns it into ready-to-drink water.

The BRIN technology exhibition was held in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Thursday (6/8/2026). BRIN brought technologies related to aerospace and space, water security, nuclear science, energy, and minerals.

Also on display were technologies for the environment and waste management, housing and disaster mitigation, health, transportation, free nutritious meals, food and agriculture, education, fisheries, defence and security, and cultural heritage preservation.

BRIN also showcased biomass roof tiles made from coconut fibre, rice husks, woven bamboo, and sugarcane bagasse. Prabowo appeared to slam the tiles to test their strength. He also inquired about the cost of the tiles for a type 36 house for the ‘genteng-isasi’ programme.

‘Not easily broken? This is good, what is the cost? How much for a type 36 house?’ Prabowo asked.

A researcher at the location answered that the price range was IDR 11 to 12 million for a house of that type. The review continued to shoes made by BRIN. Prabowo held several shoe models and bent them to test their durability.

After that, Prabowo inspected an emergency water treatment device that can process ground water, river water, flood water, brackish water, and seawater into ready-to-drink water. Prabowo personally tried the water produced by the technology. Not only Prabowo, but several accompanying ministers also drank it.

Prabowo also tried purple sweet potato crisps from a superior plant variety produced by BRIN. As before, Prabowo also invited the ministers to try them.

The ministers accompanying Prabowo in this activity included Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, and Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Saktu Wahyu Trenggono.