Contribution at the launch of the International Tropical Seaweed Center (ITSRC) IN Bali
Wednesday, 22 May 2024 – Eka Sunarwidhi Prasedya, Ph.D was invited as one of the speakers at the launch of the International Tropical Seaweed Research Center (ITSRC). This event is an initiative of the Indonesian government initiated through the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenkomarves). The ITSRC was established with the aim of emulating the success of other global research centres, such as the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
University of Mataram participated as one of the expert committees in the establishment of the ITSRC. In addition to University of Mataram, the event was also attended by various other national and international institutions, including the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Hasanuddin University, Konservasi Indonesia (KI), Global Seaweed Coalition (GSC), Sea6 Energy, World Bank, Mitsubishi Research and Consulting, and local startup Ijo Inovasi Indonesia.
The inauguration of the event was held in Nusa Dua, Bali, and was officially opened by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, General TNI (Ret.) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. In his speech, Luhut emphasised the importance of the ITSRC in strengthening research and innovation in tropical seaweed, which has great economic potential in the future.
With the ITSRC, Indonesia is expected to become the world’s leading centre for tropical seaweed research and innovation. This initiative not only aims to improve seaweed production and quality, but also to support environmental sustainability and the welfare of coastal communities that depend on the seaweed sector.
The launch of the ITSRC is expected to open opportunities for collaboration between researchers, industry and government in the development of new technologies and strategies, to improve national seaweed products and businesses. The involvement of various parties, both national and international, shows a shared commitment to building this sector to be more competitive and globally competitive. It is hoped that international innovation and collaboration will also have a positive impact on economic and ecological development in Indonesia and make a significant contribution to the global community.
