Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is continuing its efforts to strengthen and increase the maritime gross domestic product (GDP) to 15 percent by 2045 and create 12 percent of jobs in the maritime sector.As part of the efforts, a focus group discussion (FGD), themed "Blue Economy: Development and Utilization of Seaweed and Salt Potential," was organized recently.
In an official statement received here on Thursday, Deputy for Research and Innovation Utilization at BRIN R. Hendrian said that blue economy can help increase the GDP.
He noted that currently, the GDP from the maritime sector is still at 7.9 percent, while the welfare of coastal communities is still posing a big challenge, especially in seaweed and salt cultivation centers.
"Indonesia's seaweed production has reached 9 million tons nationally, but the increase in the welfare of coastal communities has not been significant. This is due to traditional technological constraints and trade challenges that affect product prices and quality," Hendrian explained.
He argued that to adapt to current conditions, farmers and coastal business actors need technological support so that they can increase production and added value.
Therefore, BRIN proposed a collaborative governance approach or cross-sector collaboration during the FGD.
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"This collaboration is believed to be able to strengthen the development and management strategy for marine commodities, such as seaweed and salt," he said.
The collaboration includes technological interventions, trade support, and socioeconomic and cultural approaches to increase the welfare of coastal communities and create more inclusive and sustainable economies.
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The FGD was attended by representatives from related ministries, local governments, the Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA), universities, entrepreneurs, and indigenous communities.
The FGD is expected to be a forum for exchanging ideas to create strategies that prioritize the sustainability of marine ecosystems and increase the economic value of marine resources.