BRIN studies cassava flour to fight forest, land fires

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3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) said cassava flour is still being studied and tested as a firefighting aid and is not yet ready for production or widespread use.

BRIN Chief Arif Satria said the agency conducted a theoretical study after learning about the use of cassava flour to help extinguish fires.

“After I received the information, we conducted a theoretical study. BRIN’s molecular chemistry experts found that it was theoretically valid,” Arif said in a statement that ANTARA quoted here Sunday.

Arif stressed the theoretical findings do not prove cassava flour is effective against large-scale forest and land fires. BRIN and police are testing its effectiveness and field application.

Applying the method to large fires presents additional challenges, including how to distribute the material, as manual application would not be feasible.

“For large-scale use, we need to study the mixture and firefighting technique. It cannot be spread by hand, specialised equipment is needed, and that is being studied,” he said.

Arif said the testing is part of BRIN’s role in scientifically validating practices and technologies developed by communities. He said BRIN seeks to incubate technologies emerging from communities before they are developed for wider use.

Arif also urged the public not to assume cassava flour is ready to fight forest and land fires, saying BRIN and police are still conducting studies and larger-scale tests.

“Police and BRIN teams are preparing this, conducting studies and tests,” Arif said.