After two years of hardship due to plunging seaweed prices, farmers in Nunukan, North Kalimantan, are seeing hope again. On May 26, 2025, PT Kebula Raya Bestari exported 60 tons of Eucheuma Cottonii seaweed to South Korea—marking a major step toward reviving the region’s marine economy. Valued at over IDR 1 billion, the shipment was celebrated locally and hailed as a symbol of recovery. Company Director Sinta Bestari emphasized the commitment to raising productivity through superior seedlings and SNI-standard post-harvest facilities, with a target of increasing yields from 30 to 50 tons per hectare.
Seaweed farmers had previously suffered from price drops as low as IDR 8,000–10,000 per kilogram, forcing many to sell equipment just to survive. With a renewed focus on product quality and export readiness, stakeholders see this as a turning point. Deputy Regent Hermanus highlighted that seaweed is a top local commodity and called for consistent quality to position Nunukan in the global market. While the export isn’t the first, it is seen as a catalyst for broader economic transformation and private sector participation. Local government and communities alike hope this marks the beginning of a sustainable and prosperous future for Nunukan’s coastal economy.
