Indonesia's Seaweed Industry Holds Vast Potential For Economic Growth

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, March 1 (Bernama) -- Indonesia's seaweed sector offers a wide range of possibilities, including the production of biostimulants, biodegradable plastics, and biofuels, as well as potential for downstream growth.

Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut B Pandjaitan stated that seaweed could be used to produce biostimulants or organic fertilisers, addressing fertiliser subsidies and food security in the country.

"It can also produce biodegradable plastics to tackle the plastic waste issue, serve as a food substitute for wheat in noodles, reducing the need for wheat imports, and be used to make biofuel to reduce dependence on fossil fuels," he explained.

Speaking at the ‘Showcase Piloting Large-scale Seaweed Cultivation’ programme in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, he stressed that despite Indonesia’s extensive marine territory, only 102,000 hectares, or 0.8 per cent of the potential cultivation area, are currently utilised for seaweed farming, with limited downstream processing.

Luhut expressed optimism that large-scale cultivation projects covering 100 hectares, coupled with mechanisation and technology, could unlock substantial economic benefits, including job creation and increased seaweed production.

He revealed that investments of up to US$2.5 million are anticipated to generate 150 direct jobs and yield between 10,000 and 15,000 tonnes of fresh seaweed annually.

"This is not just experimental as around 100 hectares are already operational. We want this technology to flourish because it will create jobs for a million people, reduce poverty, and have a positive impact on coastal communities," he added.

-- BERNAMA