Indonesia Launches International Seaweed Research Center in Ekas Bay, East Lombok
East Lombok — The Vice Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie, emphasized the importance of strengthening Indonesia’s seaweed research as part of the national strategy and the transformation of the coastal economy. She delivered the statement during the groundbreaking ceremony of the International Tropical Seaweed Research Center (ITSRC) in West Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday (12/2).
“Our major focus over the past few months has been to position Indonesia as the world’s seaweed hub, and that effort must begin now. Therefore, we are establishing an international-standard research center supported by global networks,” Vice Minister Stella stated.
Ekas Buana Village, located in the Ekas Bay area, was selected as the research site due to its long-standing role as a living and working space for coastal communities, both in aquaculture and capture fisheries. With the establishment of ITSRC, the local government expects improvements in fisheries yields and seaweed farming productivity through the development of superior, research-based seaweed seedlings.
Vice Minister Stella also highlighted that Indonesia is currently the world’s largest producer of tropical seaweed, accounting for approximately 75 percent of global production. The global seaweed market is valued at around USD 12 billion annually and is projected to continue growing.
Despite this strong position, Indonesia’s dominance in production has not yet been matched by sufficient domestic research capacity and downstream industrial development. ITSRC is therefore designed as a national and international collaboration hub. Vice Minister Stella stressed that Indonesia must move beyond being merely a supplier of raw materials and instead become a global center for innovation and value-added seaweed products.
This initiative has undergone a rigorous consolidation process since May 2025. Cross-sector partnerships have been established, including collaboration with the Asosiasi Pengusaha Indonesia (APINDO) to ensure effective downstream development, as well as partnerships with leading international universities to support knowledge transfer and collaborative funding.
“We are collaborating with the University of California, Berkeley and the Beijing Genomics Institute. Beijing Genomics Institute has committed funding of IDR 3 billion for the first two years, covering research equipment and researchers. In addition, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has allocated IDR 1.5 billion for the initial phase,” Vice Minister Stella explained.
Integrated Research Area
On the same occasion, the Rector of the University of Mataram, Bambang Hari Kusumo, stated that ITSRC will be developed as an integrated research area designed to support international collaboration.
“The planned facilities include research laboratories, dormitories for international researchers, a pharmacy, and other supporting infrastructure. All facilities are designed to synergize with the development of the Kampung Merah Putih, cooperatives, and broader community empowerment programs,” he said.
From an ecological perspective, Ekas Bay represents a relatively sheltered tropical bay system with favorable water circulation and currents. These characteristics make it an ideal living laboratory for studies on productivity, climate resilience, and tropical-scale biomass development. In addition to Kappaphycus as a primary raw material for carrageenan, the area also holds strong potential for the cultivation and research of Caulerpa, Ulva, and Halymenia.
This point was further emphasized by Eka Sunarwidhi Prasedya, a researcher and lecturer in the Biology Study Program at the University of Mataram, who highlighted the unique combination of ecological conditions and community participation in Ekas Bay.
“Data-driven research is essential to develop superior seaweed varieties that are adaptive to climate change and capable of delivering higher industrial value,” Eka Prasedya noted.
Through the establishment of ITSRC in Ekas Bay, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology reaffirms its commitment to transforming Indonesia’s natural marine advantages into scientific excellence and high-value industrial innovation. With strong collaboration among universities, local governments, international partners, and industry stakeholders, the center is expected to serve as a foundation for seaweed-based innovations that directly improve the welfare of coastal communities while strengthening Indonesia’s competitiveness within the global value chain
