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IGES Introduces Firefighting Soap, Ready for Testing in Jambi Peatlands
Portal BIOCF
Wednesday, 21 January 2026 Post 12:01 AM
IGES, an agency under Japan's Ministry of the Environment, introduced a forest and peatland firefighting soap technology that is considered capable of increasing the effectiveness of firefighting and reducing carbon emissions. This technology has been used in Japan since 2007 and has been tested in Indonesia, particularly in Central Kalimantan, since 2011.
Trials in the peatlands of Central Kalimantan were conducted in stages starting in 2016 and were further developed in 2018. In trials in Central Kalimantan in 2013, IGES showed significant results. The use of this firefighting soap was able to accelerate the extinguishing process by up to a third faster with less water required compared to conventional methods.
Large-scale demonstrations have also been conducted in front of stakeholders in Central Kalimantan. Based on the experience of the local BPDP, soap-mixed water can penetrate peatland layers to a depth of about four meters, thereby helping to extinguish fires in the lower layers.
During a coordination meeting with local government and relevant agencies, IGES presented plans to expand the pilot project to Jambi Province. Jambi was deemed suitable as a location for further testing due to its peatland characteristics, which are prone to annual fires. The pilot project is planned to take place during the dry season, between June and October, with a limited number of samples.
In addition to supporting efforts to control forest and land fires, this technology is also expected to contribute to reducing carbon emissions and carbon credit schemes. IGES stated that the initial products will be exported from Japan, but if demand in Indonesia increases, it is possible that a factory will be built in Indonesia using local raw materials.
Opportunities for cooperation are also open not only with the government, but also with the private sector, particularly plantation companies that are considered to have a high need for land fire suppression technology.
Trials in the peatlands of Central Kalimantan were conducted in stages starting in 2016 and were further developed in 2018. In trials in Central Kalimantan in 2013, IGES showed significant results. The use of this firefighting soap was able to accelerate the extinguishing process by up to a third faster with less water required compared to conventional methods.
Large-scale demonstrations have also been conducted in front of stakeholders in Central Kalimantan. Based on the experience of the local BPDP, soap-mixed water can penetrate peatland layers to a depth of about four meters, thereby helping to extinguish fires in the lower layers.
During a coordination meeting with local government and relevant agencies, IGES presented plans to expand the pilot project to Jambi Province. Jambi was deemed suitable as a location for further testing due to its peatland characteristics, which are prone to annual fires. The pilot project is planned to take place during the dry season, between June and October, with a limited number of samples.
In addition to supporting efforts to control forest and land fires, this technology is also expected to contribute to reducing carbon emissions and carbon credit schemes. IGES stated that the initial products will be exported from Japan, but if demand in Indonesia increases, it is possible that a factory will be built in Indonesia using local raw materials.
Opportunities for cooperation are also open not only with the government, but also with the private sector, particularly plantation companies that are considered to have a high need for land fire suppression technology.
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