{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1938894,
        "msgid": "indonesian-scientist-discovers-cassava-based-fire-extinguisher-to-help-tackle-forest-fires-1787629878",
        "date": "2026-08-25 10:20:00",
        "title": "Indonesian Scientist Discovers Cassava-Based Fire Extinguisher to Help Tackle Forest Fires",
        "author": "",
        "source": "CNBC",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Environment",
        "summary": "An Indonesian scientist has developed a chemical fire suppressant derived from cassava peel extract that can break the chain reaction in fires, drastically reducing temperatures without producing smoke. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is exploring its use to strengthen efforts against forest and land fires. The inventor, Randall Hartolaksono, has commercialised the technology through his company Hartindo Chemicatama Industri.",
        "content": "<p>An interesting story emerged recently from the Head of the National\nDisaster Management Agency (BNPB), Willem Rampangilei. He revealed that\nthe government is developing the use of a special chemical to help\nextinguish forest and land fires (karhutla).<\/p>\n<p>The substance is known to originate from research by Randall\nHartolaksono, a scientist from Surabaya. The chemical is made from\ncassava peel extract containing tripotassium citrate.<\/p>\n<p>According to the research, the content in cassava peel extract can\nhelp break the chain chemical reaction that occurs during a fire. As a\nresult, the fire cooling process can take place more quickly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe substance is used to strengthen firefighting efforts and can\ndrastically lower the temperature without producing smoke,\u201d said Willem,\nas quoted from CNN Indonesia on Tuesday (25\/8\/2026).<\/p>\n<p>Randall Hartolaksono, known as Randall Hart, was born in Surabaya on\n16 March 1956. He accidentally discovered the chemical while researching\ncassava peel essence for use as a lubricant for robot hinges in England.\nThe substance accidentally spilled and extinguished a fire.<\/p>\n<p>This prompted him to conduct further research and found that cassava\nessence can break the chain chemical reaction in the combustion process.\nHis theory later became known as the Chemical Chain Breaking Theory.\nEuropean scientists have accepted this theory.<\/p>\n<p>Several active substances from cassava peel essence, such as\ntripotassium citrate, have been developed into various anti-fire\nproducts. Some are applied to wood, like paint, making it fire-resistant\nfor 200 years. Others are placed into spray canisters.<\/p>\n<p>Randall has now built a business under the name Hartindo Chemicatama\nIndustri, established in Jakarta and Surabaya, with factories in\nMalaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, England, and Thailand.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/indonesian-scientist-discovers-cassava-based-fire-extinguisher-to-help-tackle-forest-fires-1787629878",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}