On a notable Wednesday in Bali’s Badung District, the Indonesian government inaugurated the International Tropical Seaweed Research Center (ITSRC), marking a significant milestone in seaweed industry innovation. The initiative, a collaborative effort between the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and the Ministry of National Development Planning, aims to foster global cooperation in the seaweed sector.
Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan explained that the ITSRC strives to become a global beacon for seaweed studies and advancements, focusing on research, tech exchange, and boosting the industry’s capabilities. The foundation of this research center represents a blend of efforts from officials, international seaweed professionals, local experts, and academic institutions. Reinforcement from global entities like the World Bank and the UN amplifies its significance.
To celebrate the launch, a seminar addressing the integration of the seaweed industry from cultivation to final product was organized, underlining the government’s ambition to enhance the seaweed downstreaming process. This includes initiatives like starting a seaweed cultivation project in East Lombok’s Ekas Bay.
The potential for transforming seaweed into a variety of beneficial products such as food additives, eco-friendly packaging, and even biofuel has been underscored. With projections estimating Indonesian seaweed exports to hit the $19 billion mark by 2033, and the potential to create jobs on a large scale, the industry’s growth prospects look promising.
The seminar concluded with three main promises: to increase industry capability and productivity, to bolster global partnerships for the sustainable growth of the seaweed sector, and to develop action plans to ensure the ITSRC’s success. These vows align with broader goals to support eco-friendly development and affirm Indonesia’s ambition to be a leading maritime nation by 2045.
