Indonesia faces peatland fires amid new technology proposals

Ongoing peatland and forest fires in Indonesia, notably around the Palembang-Indaralaya toll road in South Sumatra, have caused significant smoke haze affecting local residents and neighboring countries.

In response to the crisis, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has introduced several technological solutions, including AI-based tools, weather modification, and Dumakron. Dumakron is a micro-sized sodium chloride (NaCl) salt particle, measuring 2–5 micrometers, which can be dispersed via drones to assist in fire management.

While President Prabowo Subianto has proposed the use of smoke jumpers, questions remain regarding why these advanced technologies are only being offered after fires have already become widespread. There is a noted need for better mechanisms to integrate research-based technologies into active emergency operations to prevent delays in fire suppression.