Seaweed Cultivation Can Improve Indonesia's Economy: Academician

Jakarta, Oct 15 (Antara) - Indonesia has several varieties of seaweed in abundance and their cultivation has the potential to improve the country`s economy, stated Ina Primiana Syinar, the professor of Pajajaran University`s Faculty of Economy. "Compared to other aquaculture commodities, many different types of seaweed are produced each year in Indonesia, and therefore, the government should start utilizing such a commodity to improve the nation`s economy," Ina remarked here on Tuesday. According to data furnished by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, seaweed production for six consecutive years from 2008 to 2013 ranked the highest in aquaculture commodities or outnumbered the production of shrimp, grouper, snapper, milk fish, carp, tilapia, and catfish. The data indicated that seaweed production last year was recorded at 3.3 million tons, or six times more than the production of tilapia aquaculture commodity that is ranked second-highest in Indonesia. Referring to the data, Ina remarked that the government should utilize its seaweed production potential by creating innovations in the seaweed trade. "In addition to promoting trade, the government can process seaweed materials into food or cosmetics whose market value is greater than the exported raw materials," she added.