Indonesian Scientist Discovers Cassava-Based Fire Extinguisher to Help Tackle Forest Fires

An interesting story emerged recently from the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Willem Rampangilei. He revealed that the government is developing the use of a special chemical to help extinguish forest and land fires (karhutla).

The substance is known to originate from research by Randall Hartolaksono, a scientist from Surabaya. The chemical is made from cassava peel extract containing tripotassium citrate.

According to the research, the content in cassava peel extract can help break the chain chemical reaction that occurs during a fire. As a result, the fire cooling process can take place more quickly.

“The substance is used to strengthen firefighting efforts and can drastically lower the temperature without producing smoke,” said Willem, as quoted from CNN Indonesia on Tuesday (25/8/2026).

Randall Hartolaksono, known as Randall Hart, was born in Surabaya on 16 March 1956. He accidentally discovered the chemical while researching cassava peel essence for use as a lubricant for robot hinges in England. The substance accidentally spilled and extinguished a fire.

This prompted him to conduct further research and found that cassava essence can break the chain chemical reaction in the combustion process. His theory later became known as the Chemical Chain Breaking Theory. European scientists have accepted this theory.

Several active substances from cassava peel essence, such as tripotassium citrate, have been developed into various anti-fire products. Some are applied to wood, like paint, making it fire-resistant for 200 years. Others are placed into spray canisters.

Randall has now built a business under the name Hartindo Chemicatama Industri, established in Jakarta and Surabaya, with factories in Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, England, and Thailand.