Indonesia to Boost Seaweed Exports to the Philippines
17 April 2014 13:56 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Seaweed entrepreneurs are ready to increase exports to the Philippines. Following last year's Bopha typhoon, The Philippines are short on seaweed supply.
"Their production dropped 50 percent, we should use it as an opportunity to boost our exports there," Chairman of the Indonesian Seaweed Association (ARLI), Safari Aziz, said in Jakarta yesterday.
According to Safari, The Philippines has an annual seaweed production of more than 100,000 tons. After the storm hits, production fell to just 50,000 tons. Safari said that Indonesia could use the opportunity as other seaweed-producing countries such as China have chosen not to sell their products.
"China currently has a huge need for raw materials. So, Indonesia is the only country that can supply the Philippines," said Safari.
Unfortunately, the development strategy of seaweed cultivation in Indonesia is still unclear. Nevertheless, this year ARLI is targeting to seaweed production to reach 300,000 tons, up from last year's achievement of 200,000 tons.
Indonesia's aquaculture potential is not utilized optimally. With a marine aquaculture potential of 8.36 million hectares, only 3.69 percent has been developed.
AYU PRIMA SANDI
