REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian Seaweed Association (ARLI) assessed the potential land for seaweed cultivation in Indonesia is very broad. It can contribute to employment. But on the other hand, the issues of seaweed export bans and export costs can inhibit entrepreneur to develop business in that sector.

Chairman of ARLI Safari Azis said, Indonesia was one of the largest exporters of seaweed and its production was plentiful.

"But if the export is inhibited by the export cost, it will impact on employment and the reduction of people's income," he said on Friday, May 8.

According to him, the need for industrial Indonesian seaweed can still be met due to the small absorption. So that the excessive seaweed production could be exported to countries which need raw seaweed from Indonesia.

Based on data from the Directorate General of Aquaculture, Ministry of Marine and Fisheries (KKP) showed in 2013 the national production of seaweed at least reached 930,000 dry tons. The export reached 176,000 dry tons with a value of 162.4 million USD.

Meanwhile, he explained, seaweeds process is smaller than the unprocessed one. The number only reached 120,000 dry tons.

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