"Seaweed has many benefits; it provides jobs for people living in coastal regions, and it is present in many cuisines. Seaweed is also used in medicines, cosmetics and liquid fertilisers. Therefore, seaweed is a commodity that can develop the blue economy concept in Indonesia," said the Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Seaweed Businessmen (ARLI), Safari Azis, on Wednesday.
The association is working closely with the Bali Seaweed Farmers Group to increase seaweed cultivation in Kutuh village, Badung, Bali. In addition, people are working hard to improve the quality of seaweed and to increase business opportunities, he said.
Most of Bali's revenue comes from the tourism sector, but many of the residents in Bali, who live in coastal regions, get their income from seaweed cultivation.
Azis is keen on developing a fishery ecotourism that promotes seaweed farming. He believes that seaweed farms can become tourist spots.
He has urged the ministry of tourism and creative economy to integrate seaweed farming activities.
(f001/INE)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
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