JAKARTA - The Ministry of Industry is determined to continue implementing the downstream policy in increasing the added value of natural resources in the country. One of Indonesia's potential commodities, namely seaweed, is a natural wealth and is abundant in coastal areas.
“Seaweed cultivation has become the main occupation for most coastal communities, especially in West Seram Regency, Maluku. This is because the demand for seaweed to meet the export market is quite high," said the Ministry of Industry's Standardization and Industrial Services Policy Agency (BSKJI), Doddy Rahadi in Jakarta, Wednesday (31/8).
The head of BSKJI said that the total potential of seaweed cultivation land in Maluku Province reached 19,509.29 hectares. However, the land used in the West Seram area is only about 929.9 hectares, then the East Seram District (140 hectares), and the Aru Islands Regency (1,587 hectares).
In order to optimize the land, the Ministry of Industry's BSKJI implements the 2022 DAPATI program for the Maluku region through the development of local industries for seaweed commodities. "Among them, they are members of the Rurehe seaweed cultivation group in West Seram Regency, with the ability to produce 8-9 tons of seaweed per year," said Doddy.
According to him, seaweed commodities have potential export markets to several countries, such as Japan, China, Taiwan, Australia, the United States, Britain and other countries. "Seaweed quality is one of the most important indicators for agricultural products for the export market," said Doddy.
To improve the efficiency and productivity of local industries, BSPJI Ambon provides assistance in the application of optimizing seaweed drying technology by building a drying house with an acrylic roof and walls using ultra violet (UV) plastic.
With the innovation of this solar dryer, the drying process can be carried out faster (2-3 days) at normal temperatures and when it rains the seaweed remains protected. Another advantage of this innovation is that seaweed products will be protected from dust and insects so that the hygiene and safety of the results are maintained. (LM)