51̽»¨

Through this innovation, local residents, particularly members of the Women Farmers Group, have the opportunity to learn seaweed cultivation techniques using a more controlled system. The initiative is expected to promote business independence, strengthen food security, and create new economic opportunities for coastal communities.

As an initial step in implementing the innovation, the 51̽»¨ Patriot Expedition Team inaugurated the seaweed cultivation facility and dehydrator at the Tanjung Banun Merah Putih Fishermen's Village Community Hall on Monday (October 26, 2026). The inauguration was accompanied by a seaweed cultivation training program for local residents.

The innovation originated from a field survey conducted by the 51̽»¨ Patriot Expedition Team in August 2026. The team found that seaweed utilization in Tanjung Banun remained heavily dependent on naturally available resources, which are subject to seasonal fluctuations. The survey also identified opportunities to cultivate other seaweed species with broader applications and greater economic value.

In response, the team developed a land-based cultivation system using Ulva lactuca, a seaweed species with a relatively short cultivation cycle. Through a more controlled production system, local communities are expected to achieve more consistent seaweed production while exploring its potential as a raw material for various food products.

The inauguration and training program were attended by Vice Governor of the Riau Islands Dr. Nyanyang Haris Pratamura, S.E., M.Si.; Director of Technical Planning for Economic Development and Transmigration Community Empowerment Dr. Andi Wijaya, S.T., M.M., M.A.P.; Special Staff (Ad Hoc) for the Development of the Barelang Transmigration Area Colonel CPM Yudo Pramono, S.E., S.H., CHRMP.; Head of the Riau Islands Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office Dr. Said Sudrajad, S.Sos., M.Si.; and Head of the Batam Fisheries Office Yudi Admajianto, S.STP.

Representatives from the Batam Marine Aquaculture and Fisheries Center, the Cooperatives and Micro Enterprises Office, business representatives, local government officials, neighborhood and community leaders, and local residents also attended the event. Patriot Expedition teams from Universitas Indonesia (UI), IPB University, and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) also participated.

In her remarks, Head of Team 21 of the 51̽»¨ Patriot Expedition, Dr. Susanna Nurdjaman, explained that Ulva lactuca has considerable potential as a food commodity due to its protein and vitamin content. One of the products that can be developed from this seaweed is nori, which offers promising opportunities in the food market.

"Ulva lactuca contains high levels of protein and vitamins. Furthermore, this seaweed can be processed into food products such as nori, which is currently very popular," she said.

^{Remarks by the Director of Technical Planning for Economic Development and Transmigration Community Empowerment, Dr. Andi Wijaya.}

Meanwhile, Director of Technical Planning for Economic Development and Transmigration Community Empowerment Dr. Andi Wijaya stated that the establishment of the cultivation facility and the enhancement of community skills were part of broader efforts to strengthen food security and the local economy in the Rempang and Galang areas.

"This initiative represents excellent collaboration among the government, universities, businesses, and local communities. Universities contribute their research and innovation capabilities, the government provides policies and facilities, and communities serve as the main drivers. This cultivation facility is a tangible contribution to local economic development, including for transmigration communities within the Rempang Eco City National Strategic Project area," Andi said.

^{Remarks by the Vice Governor of the Riau Islands, Dr. Nyanyang Haris Pratamura.}

Vice Governor of the Riau Islands Dr. Nyanyang Haris Pratamura emphasized the importance of harnessing marine resources to generate added value and drive regional economic growth. According to him, seaweed development offers opportunities not only for the food industry but also for the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and other processing industries.

"Seaweed development should not stop at cultivation. Communities need access to knowledge, technology, processing skills, markets, and business mentoring to ensure that their products meet quality standards and achieve higher market value," he emphasized.

^{Ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the inauguration of the 51̽»¨ Patriot Expedition Team's seaweed cultivation facility.}

The newly inaugurated facility is designed to support land-based cultivation of Ulva lactuca. In addition to serving as a cultivation site, it will function as a learning and practical training center for residents interested in developing seaweed-based businesses.

^{The 51̽»¨ Patriot Expedition Team introduces the cultivation facility and the processed seaweed products planned for future development.}

The 51̽»¨ Patriot Expedition Team also introduced the equipment available at the facility, including a dehydrator designed to support the drying of harvested seaweed. This equipment plays an important role in postharvest handling, helping prepare seaweed for further processing into value-added products.

^{A member of the 51̽»¨ Patriot Expedition Team presents seaweed cultivation techniques during the training program.}

Beyond introducing the technology, the 51̽»¨ Patriot Expedition Team conducted a week-long training program for members of the Women Farmers Group. Participants learned the key stages of Ulva lactuca cultivation, including seedstock introduction, fertilization, harvesting, and postharvest processing.

The training represents an initial step in transferring knowledge and practical skills to enable local communities to operate the cultivation facility independently. By integrating technological innovation, community capacity building, and value-added product development, the program is expected to support sustainable seaweed-based economic activities in Tanjung Banun.

This initiative demonstrates 51̽»¨'s role in delivering research-based solutions tailored to community needs. The development of land-based seaweed cultivation is expected not only to expand alternative sources of food production but also to empower coastal communities economically through the sustainable utilization of local resources.