The Minister Of Industry Encourages Abundant Microalga Development Because The Prospect Is High

Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita reviewed the process of making raw materials from companies engaged in biotechnology in Kendal, Central Java, Friday (28/6/2024) (ANTARA/HO-Kemenperin)

JAKARTA - The microalga raw material is abundant in the country which was revealed by the Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita. He encourages the development of small alga plant-based biotechnology (microalga) as a product that can provide high added value to the economy. "Mikroalga is very prospective to be developed in Indonesia because it is supported by adequate environmental conditions," said Minister of Industry Agus, quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, June 29. He explained that one of the efforts to develop microalga biotechnology in Indonesia has been initiated by the Evergen Resources company located in Kendal, Central Java. The company processes Haematococcus pluxilis microal microalga which can produce astaxanthin or useful substances as a protector of oxidation polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which can increase the immune response, and keep from negative effects of ultraviolet light. He explained that the product has high antioxidants that can be applied to products of health supplements, medicines, cosmetics, food and beverages, as well as livestock feed products.

However, the Minister of Industry revealed that the challenges in developing microalga-based biotechnology are still quite large. For example, production and research costs are high, thus causing limited consumer purchasing power and market expansion. "Therefore, strategic collaboration is needed between the government, educational institutions, research institutions, and industry in the context of accelerating product development and market penetration policies," said the Minister of Industry. In addition to encouraging microalga-based biotechnology development, the Minister of Industry also wants companies in the country to be able to process alga plants into environmentally friendly fuel products (biofuels).

"For development into biofuels, support from the user industry is needed, for example Pertamina for the provision of production and storage facilities," said the Minister of Industry.