Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has encouraged innovation in seaweed commodities for lowering the imports of several seaweed-based industrial products.
"I welcome the activities of the Tropical Seaweed Innovation Network that supports the development of technology and innovation for national seaweed products, such as the supporting industrial materials and eco-friendly products, such as seaweed-based bioplastics," Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono remarked at the 2021 Seaweed Fest here on Monday.
Trenggono pointed out that the KKP bolsters the growth of the industry using carrageenan that functions as a substitute for import goods and supplies the supporting materials for the industry.
He assessed that the target is reasonable on account of the fact that Indonesia is the world's biggest producer of Cottonii seaweed and the second-largest manufacturer of Gracilaria.
"These two types of seaweed are the raw materials for the carrageenan industry that can increase the added value of the (country's seaweed industry)," Trenggono added.
The minister noted that seaweed played a crucial role in creating jobs, reducing the poverty rates, and providing solutions to environmental problems and global warming.
Trenggono also pointed out that countries with tropical climate, such as Indonesia, have the potential to grow a variety of seaweed of high economic value.
"Seaweed is a blessing for Indonesia and can be used ecologically, economically, and socially as a driver for sustainable development nationally and globally," he explained.
At the 2021 Seaweed Fest, the minister invited the public to witness the development and innovation of Indonesia's seaweed products.
He also expressed optimism that the link and match between seaweed research results and industry players would advance the country's seaweed industry.
This year's Seaweed Fest was themed "Tropical Seaweed: Solution to The World."
The exhibition event was divided into four pavilions: State of The Art, Frontier, Blue Economy: The Solutions, and The Enablers.
Related news: Need quality human resources for developing Maluku fish barn: minister
Related news: Govt plans to establish seaweed farming villages in eastern Indonesia
Related news: Marine Affairs Ministry develops seaweed-based healthy version of boba
