Prabowo Eyes 'Ubi Bombing' to Fight Wildfires

President Prabowo Subianto has suggested an innovative approach to combat Indonesia's persistent forest and land fires: a fire suppressant derived from tuber-based flour. The idea emerged during a coordination meeting on fire management in South Sumatra, where Prabowo questioned the effectiveness of water bombing and sought more potent alternatives.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo presented a potential solution: a flour-based material, made from tubers like cassava, that has been developed previously. This substance, he explained, could help prevent fires and extinguish them in their initial stages.

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Is there a chemical substance that is more effective than water at smothering fires?

Intrigued by the concept, Prabowo urged for further research to validate the material's effectiveness. He also called for large-scale production and a budget proposal to support its development, jokingly dubbing the idea "ubi bombing." The president wants officials to test if this tuber-based material can be deployed in significant quantities via helicopters or aircraft to reach affected areas.

This initiative highlights Indonesia's ongoing efforts to explore technological advancements in its fire response strategy. While water bombing via helicopters has been the primary method in regions like South Sumatra, the government is keen on exploring new avenues. The "ubi bombing" concept, however, remains a proposal requiring thorough research and testing before any large-scale implementation can be considered.

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The point is that it can suppress fires. It’s very interesting. The raw material is tubers, including cassava. Try producing it on a large scale.