Indonesia to Expand Wildfire Forecasting Research to Six Months
Indonesia plans wildfire forecasts up to six months ahead, alongside fire-spread research and field tests of a cassava-based suppressant.
JAKARTA — Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency plans to strengthen forecasts of forest and land fires up to six months ahead, an effort aimed at giving authorities more time to prepare for a hazard that can spread across the archipelago. Agency chief Arif Satria outlined the plan after meeting President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
The research will cover wildfire prediction and models of how flames spread. The agency is also preparing field trials of a cassava-based fire suppressant, while working with other stakeholders on weather modification operations to address immediate conditions.
Forecasts intended to support earlier prevention
Arif said the forecasting work is designed to improve the ability to assess wildfire risks several months in advance. The aim is to help officials act before fires break out, rather than relying only on response once flames are already present.
“So we have the ability to know what will happen three months, six months from now in relation to these forest and land fires. I think this ability to predict is very important,” Arif said after the meeting.
The agency is studying fire-spread models and conducting research at locations where fires are currently occurring. Arif said Prabowo had instructed that wildfire research address short-, medium- and long-term needs.
Indonesia’s research agency also plans to work with several universities on ways to predict forest fires. The collaboration is intended to improve understanding of fire patterns and inform prevention and response measures. For communities and officials in areas at risk, better lead time could help preparations begin before a fire becomes an active emergency.
Weather operations and cassava-based suppressant
For near-term response, the agency is coordinating with stakeholders on weather modification operations. Arif said rain had fallen in several areas.
“And then rain has also fallen in several areas, and this is a blessing for which we should be grateful,” he said.
The agency has also completed research on a fire suppressant made from cassava flour and says the material is ready for field testing. Arif said the flour can clump unless it is mixed with ammonium polyphosphate, or APP, a substance that is not available in Indonesia and must be imported.
“So far, without using that material, cassava flour often clumps. With it, the mixture can be made more effective for extinguishing fires,” Arif said.
Access to APP remains a constraint in refining the suppressant. The next step is to test the completed formulation in the field and assess whether it can improve the effectiveness of firefighting. The agency’s work combines longer-range forecasts with current measures, including weather modification and testing alternative fire-suppression materials.
