If we continuously get support from universities, then we will have the right policies
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry collaborates with Padjadjaran University of Bandung to help realize blue economy-based aquaculture in Indonesia, as it has huge potential for maritime resources.

The Ministry's Director General of Aquaculture, Tb Haeru Rahayu, explained here on Thursday that Indonesia's maritime potential is huge and can be developed by not damaging the ecosystems but rather in a sustainable manner.

In a talk show, themed "Our Sea Our Life," held by Unpad, Rahayu highlighted that Indonesia's potential sea area covers 6.8 million square kilometers (sq km), while the total potential area for aquaculture development in the country reached 17.8 million hectares, including seas and brackish and freshwater.

He said that Indonesia can conduct various aquaculture developments for top and export-oriented commodities, such as shrimp, lobster, seaweed, and crab.

Currently, the director general said the ministry has a target of accelerating the implementation of blue economic development by synergizing with various parties, including academia, such as the Padjadjaran University.

According to Rahayu, the policies adopted by the government in the form of regulations must be scientific- and data-based.

"If we continuously get support from universities, then we will have the right policies. Thus, it will produce great aquaculture products. In the end, it will yield benefits for the people, prosperity for the cultivators, and create jobs," Rahayu remarked.

Meanwhile, the Rector of Padjajaran University, Prof. Rina Indiastuti, said that Indonesia must maintain ocean health through various forms of research.

To contribute to sustaining healthy oceans, Unpad has conducted some research on marine bioremediation and marine biodiversity.

"In addition, Unpad prioritizes food security programs, especially fish. We also conduct research and innovations, such as cultivation techniques for kerapu cantang (the result of crossbreeding between two species of grouper fish, Epinephelus fuscoggostatus and Epinephelus lanceolatus), star pomfret (Trachinotus blochii), and lobster in Pangandaran," she stated.

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Translator: Aditya R, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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