Kupang, NTT (ANTARA) – Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka emphasized the importance of modernizing and downstreaming the seaweed industry during a dialogue with seaweed farmers at Mulut Seribu Beach, Rote Ndao District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Friday.“Today, we inspected salt and seaweed factories in Rote. We see extraordinary potential here, although it has not yet been fully utilized,” he said during the visit.Gibran stated that seaweed modernization and downstream processing are in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives, which emphasize strengthening national food security and downstreaming superior regional commodities to increase added value and improve community welfare.On several occasions, Prabowo has stressed that Indonesia should not merely export raw materials, but also develop processing industries in the regions so local communities — including farmers and fishermen in coastal areas such as Rote Ndao — can directly benefit.During the dialogue, Gibran noted that seaweed cultivation potential in Rote Ndao Regency is enormous, but remains underutilized. Around 300 seaweed farmers in Daiama Village voiced several needs to improve productivity, including 8 mm and 2 mm nylon ropes, seaweed seedlings, fiber boats, and 0.5 GT ketinting engines.“I saw earlier that the equipment being used is still very traditional. Going forward, we will likely need drying equipment, warehouses, and perhaps even a packaging factory here,” the vice president said.He also highlighted the superior quality of Rote seaweed compared to other regions, particularly because of its high carrageenan content.According to Gibran, this potential should be preserved and maximized through the downstream development of the seaweed industry.He underlined the need for modernization across the entire production chain, including the use of superior seedlings, upgraded boats and production equipment, as well as post-harvest facilities such as drying systems, warehouses, sorting facilities, and packaging centers.“We already have superior seedlings, and we are improving the boats and equipment. For post-harvest processing, we need drying facilities, warehouses, sorting systems, and packaging,” he added.Furthermore, the vice president urged local governments to improve data collection and administrative organization to support future assistance from the central government.He said this step is necessary to ensure aid distribution is equitable and well-targeted, while also boosting production and improving the welfare of seaweed farmers in Rote Ndao.