The Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries Affairs (KKP) has set a target of seaweed production at 7.5 million tonnes this year, Indonesian news agency ANTARA reported.
Maritime and Fisheries Minister Sharif Cicip Sutardjo said in a statement this year’s target is an increase of 30 percent from the previous year which stood at 5.2 million tonnes.
The minister said his ministry had also planned to produce 10 million tonnes of the same commodity in 2014 and would develop the downstream sector of the commodity to increase added value of seaweeds.
Sharif said the government had also set a target to produce 205,000 tonnes of processed seaweeds this year.
The processed products would be in the form of ATC (Alkali Treated Carrageenan), SRC (Semi Refine Carrageenan), RC (Refine Carrageena), gelatin and alginate.
Indonesia has seaweed potential areas covering 1.110 million hectares and has some 555 species of seaweed plasma with about 45 percent of the world’s seaweed species found in the country.
With its huge potential and conducive climate, Sharif said scientists and researchers have a very important role in the development of seaweeds in the country.
“They can directly play roles in the seedling process, culture, post-harvest handling, processing, formulation industry and end production derivation,” he said.
Indonesian Seaweed Association (ARLI) chairman Safari Azis said some 50 countries will take part in the 21st International Seaweed Symposium (ISS) scheduled in Bali from April 21-26.
“For Indonesia to host the event, it will be a good opportunity for the country to show various achievements it has made in developing seaweed and seaweed industries,” he said.
The forum themed “Seaweed Science for Sustainable Prosperity” will see scientists, technologists, business people and resource managers presenting their latest research results, exchange ideas and develop new synergies.
Safari said results of various researches, trade exhibitions and business meetings on seaweed will also be discussed to strengthen the nation’s seaweed industry.
2013 Bernama