South Kalimantan adopts new liquid innovation to combat peatland fires

South Kalimantan Governor Muhidin has called for the widespread implementation of a new peatland wetting innovation to combat forest and land fires (karhutla) in the province. The innovation, developed by the South Kalimantan Regional Police Forensic Laboratory (Bidlabfor), involves a specialized eco-friendly plant-based surfactant liquid designed to cool burning peat more effectively than water alone.

During a demonstration in Banjarbaru, thermal drones recorded soil temperatures dropping from 120 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius within one minute of applying the liquid via a two-meter deep injection method. This technique targets smoldering embers deep underground that are typically difficult to extinguish with standard spraying.

South Kalimantan Regional Police Chief Inspector General Rosyanto Yudha Hermawan stated that the police are collaborating with the Indonesian Navy and Air Force to facilitate the large-scale distribution of raw materials from Java to South Kalimantan. The goal is to ensure the rapid production and delivery of the liquid to high-risk fire areas.