Lerak, also known as Sapindus rarak, is a local Indonesian fruit traditionally known for its natural cleansing properties. For generations, Lerak has been used as a natural washing ingredient, especially for delicate fabrics such as batik.
At Nusantara Bersih, Lerak became the inspiration behind our sustainable cleaning tablets. By combining traditional Indonesian knowledge with student-led scientific research, we aim to reimagine Lerak into a practical cleaning solution for modern homes and under-resourced communities.
Through our research process, we tested our Lerak-inspired cleaning tablets using analytical techniques such as titration and bacteria incubation. Titration helped us observe the chemical properties of the cleaning solution, while bacteria incubation allowed us to examine its potential effect on hygiene by comparing bacterial growth before and after cleaning.
These tests helped us better understand the performance of our formulation and refine the product beyond its natural inspiration. By combining chemistry, microbiology, and community purpose, Nusantara Bersih aims to develop cleaning solutions that are not only locally rooted, but also research-informed and practical for everyday.
