Deputy Governor Nyanyang urges use of appropriate technology to boost seaweed quality and yield.

A milestone 100-ton seaweed harvest in Karimun’s Sugie Island has triggered fresh calls from the Riau Islands government to embrace modern cultivation technologies. Deputy Governor Nyanyang Haris Pratamura sees seaweed as a vital maritime commodity with global export potential.

From Coast to Commodity

On July 21, 2025, the Riau Islands marked a significant achievement: a 100-ton seaweed harvest in Sugie Village, Karimun. Present at the event, Deputy Governor Nyanyang Haris Pratamura underscored seaweed’s value as a high-potential commodity capable of improving coastal livelihoods. Backed by 2024’s production data showing 15,861 tons of seaweed, Nyanyang believes the province is only scratching the surface of what it can achieve.

Tech as the Next Growth Engine

Nyanyang called for accelerated adoption of Teknologi Tepat Guna (Appropriate Technology), both in cultivation and post-harvest handling. “It’s time we enter the next phase—technology-backed farming—to ensure our products meet export-grade standards,” he stressed. By doing so, seaweed from Kepri can be positioned as a premium export commodity in global markets.

Building a Tech-Driven Maritime Economy

Kepri’s aquaculture potential extends beyond seaweed, with fish farming capacity estimated at over 27,000 tons annually. Yet seaweed’s lower operational cost and strong demand have made it a flagship opportunity for inclusive growth. Key cultivation zones include Sugie Besar (Karimun), Belakang Padang (Batam), and Singkep Pesisir (Lingga), with future plans to expand into untapped coastal areas.

Strengthening Export Readiness

With most of Kepri’s seaweed already entering international markets, Nyanyang emphasized the need to meet global quality benchmarks. “We must ensure our seaweed is not just abundant, but globally competitive,” he said. Standardization, processing innovation, and value-added production are essential to elevate Kepri’s seaweed from raw export to premium-grade export.

Leadership and Local Commitment

Nyanyang was joined by provincial leaders including Kepri’s Head of Marine and Fisheries Said Sudrajat and development advisor Nurdin Basirun. Their presence signals strong political will to prioritize marine-based economies. “Kepri has the resources—now we need the right tools and coordination,” Nyanyang concluded, pointing to technology as a unifying solution.

Kepri’s seaweed surge reflects a broader trend of tapping into sustainable marine resources to drive economic growth. With rising global demand and regional commitment, embracing innovation in aquaculture could not only uplift Indonesia’s coastal communities but also position Kepri as Southeast Asia’s seaweed capital. For neighboring countries like Singapore, this opens doors to sustainable raw materials, joint ventures, and regional trade synergies in the blue economy.

Sources: Tribun Batam (2025) , Batam Pos (2025)

Keywords: Seaweed Harvest, Sugie Island, Kepri Maritime Economy, Nyanyang Haris Pratamura, Aquaculture Innovation, Seaweed Export