The plan to export seaweed from North Kalimantan to Malaysia was discussed at Sosek Malindo meeting in Bandung a long time ago, the head of North Kalimantan Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency, Amir Bakry, said here on Wednesday.
"This will help our seaweed farmers in finding a market. Seaweeds price often fluctuates due to its abundant production but the local government does not offer any permanent solution," Bakry explained.
North Kalimantan produces six thousand tons of seaweed per month, but as far as marketing is concerned, the sector still relies on local businesses. This results in price fluctuations, with the price often plunging as low as Rp4,500 per kilogram.
With that in view, the provincial government has been seeking a better solution and encouraging Malaysia to buy seaweed from North Kalimantan, especially for use in textiles.
A bilateral socio-economic forum like Sosek Malindo meeting is also considered as a platform that could be used to find solutions to any marketing problems between these two countries.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
