TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Secretary of Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Asep Djembar Muhammad, said that the ministry is coordinating a research on algae as resource for renewable energy.

“We are still in laboratory stage,” said Asep at Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Senayan, on Friday, May 15.

According to Asep, previous research by the Agency for the Assessment and Application of technology (BPPT) has shown that algae largely found in Indonesian waters bears high oil content.

“There is large potential from our sea that can replace land-based energy resources,” Asep continued, adding that further research is still needed.

Nani Hendiarti, the Technology Utilization Executive of Maritime Ministry, said research on algae as renewable energy resource has been performed for the last three to four years.

The Bandung Institute of Technologyg (ITB) and Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) have also taken part in the research.

“Indonesia is also collaborating with academicians in Korea who are ahead in algae research,” Nani said.

Nani said algae in Indonesia is mostly found in Java Sea, Karimata Strati and Western Sumatra.

"The main spots are waters that are rich of nutrients."

MITRA TARIGAN