Minister To Strengthen Seaweed Processing Industry

Jakarta, April 6 (Antara) -- Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti has called for the strengthening of the seaweed processing industry to boost exports. The minister made the statement here on Monday during the commemoration of National Fishermen's Day on April 6. Seaweed plays a strategic role in supporting the national economy by contributing a considerable amount of foreign exchange towards the welfare of fishermen and other people involved in seaweed cultivation. Pudjiastuti celebrated National Fishermen's Day in Pahunga Lodu sub-district, East Sumba district, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Monday, April 6. According to data from the ministry, Indonesia produced 10.2 million tons of seaweed in 2014, a nearly threefold increase from the 3.9 million tons produced in 2010. "In accordance with the president's policy, the ministry will continue to guide those engaged in seaweed cultivation," she affirmed. As two-thirds of the country's territory is water, Indonesia has great potential to become a chief producer of seaweed. East Sumba in NTT is one of the country's main seaweed producers. Since it was designated as a minapolitan area in aquaculture in 2010, seaweed production in the region increased to 2.4 thousand tons in 2014. "This is thanks to the local administration that has been serious in developing seaweed cultivation in the integrated and progressive minapolitan area," she remarked.