Kotabaru Focus on Seaweed Processing

Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (Antaranews) - Kotabaru Regional Core Industry Competence (KIID) now focus on seaweed processing concentrated on the processing ability of seaweed-based products.

Regent Expert Staff on Economics and Finance of Kotabaru Regional Secretariat, H Akhmad Rival, here on Tuesday said the target of seaweed processing industry development in the medium term (2013 - 2017), which produces carrageenan from seaweed that meet national standards (SNI) , and increasing seaweed export marketing. 

Seaweed development location set in the Subdistrict of West Pulau Laut, Pulau Laut Kepulauan, South Pulau Laut and Pamukan. 

While the strategy action plan in 2013 - 2017 include institutional strengthening, improvement of process capability, improving the competence of human resources, strengthening networking and market development, and product diversification. 

Head of Kotabaru Fisheries and Marine Agency, Talip, said fishermen or seaweed farmers in Kotabaru have not been able to meet the demand of the buyers. According to him, lack of seaweed production is currently constrained by human and capital resources. 

The selling price and the market is now not an issue, but fishermen who have the knowledge and expertise of seaweed farming is still minimal. 

In 2008 period, an average of Indonesian seaweed needs is 1,000 tons per month. The needs are still unmet and Indonesia is expected to bring in seaweed from Chile and other neighboring countries. 

Although not yet able to meet the needs of the world, Kotabaru is expected to meet the seaweed needs for South Kalimantan Province approximately 480 tons per year. 

Currently, Kotabaru still has about 2,500 hectares of coastal aquaculture development potential of the site of seaweed. 

Seaweed is used as raw material for cosmetics, soaps, fiber foods, pharmaceuticals and steel-making ingredient.