A seaweed post-harvest handling training organized by WWF Indonesia in Kalialo Village, Sidoarjo Regency, has become an important initiative to strengthen the capacity of aquaculture facilitators while improving the competitiveness of local fisheries products. The activity brought together multiple stakeholders—including government agencies, cooperatives, and academic institutions—to enhance technical knowledge and promote better post-harvest practices among seaweed farming communities. Through this collaborative effort, the program aims to improve product quality, reduce contamination risks, and support the long-term development of sustainable seaweed aquaculture in Sidoarjo.
Sidoarjo is widely known as one of the major producers of the seaweed species Gracilaria verrucosa, cultivated primarily in brackishwater ponds. The commodity plays a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities, especially farmers who rely on aquaculture as their main source of income. As demand for seaweed continues to grow both domestically and internationally, ensuring consistent product quality has become increasingly important. However, the value and quality of seaweed products are not determined solely by cultivation practices in ponds. Post-harvest handling—such as cleaning, drying, and storage—plays a critical role in maintaining product quality and ensuring that seaweed meets the standards required by industry and export markets.
In practice, most seaweed harvested in Sidoarjo is still marketed in the form of dried raw material. While this method allows farmers to preserve the commodity for distribution, the post-harvest processes applied across different farming groups are often inconsistent. As a result, product quality can vary significantly. One of the main challenges identified in the field is contamination from mud, sand, and other impurities that may be carried during harvesting and drying processes. Such contamination not only affects the physical appearance of the seaweed but also reduces its market value and limits its ability to meet stricter quality requirements demanded by industrial processors and export buyers.
Addressing these challenges requires improving the capacity of individuals who directly assist and guide farmers in their aquaculture activities. In this context, the training program focused on strengthening the knowledge and technical skills of seaweed aquaculture facilitators and cooperative members. Participants received guidance on best practices in post-harvest handling, including proper cleaning methods, effective drying techniques, hygienic storage systems, and careful product handling to minimize contamination risks. By implementing these standardized procedures, facilitators are expected to disseminate improved practices to seaweed farmers across Sidoarjo, ultimately ensuring more consistent and higher-quality production.
The training was conducted through collaboration between WWF Indonesia, the East Java Provincial Marine and Fisheries Service, the Sidoarjo Fisheries Service, fisheries extension officers, and the Agar Makmur Sentosa Cooperative. This multi-stakeholder partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening local aquaculture systems while supporting the economic resilience of coastal communities. The program also highlighted the importance of connecting practical field activities with academic knowledge and research from universities.
One of the participants expressed that the training provided valuable insights into the importance of proper post-harvest handling to maintain seaweed quality. For many farmers and facilitators, understanding these technical steps can significantly improve the marketability of their products. In addition, the activity served as a knowledge-sharing platform where participants could exchange experiences related to aquaculture practices, quality control, and cooperative management.
A representative from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Airlangga University, Eka Saputra, S.Pi., M.Si., emphasized the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and various stakeholders in strengthening the national fisheries sector. According to him, initiatives like this demonstrate how conservation organizations, government agencies, cooperatives, and universities can work together to support sustainable aquaculture development.
He explained that improving post-harvest practices is not only essential for maintaining product quality but also for increasing the economic value of seaweed commodities. When farmers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills, they are better positioned to meet industry standards and access broader markets, including international export opportunities.
Through continued collaboration between academics, conservation organizations, local governments, and aquaculture communities, the development of the seaweed sector in Sidoarjo is expected to become more sustainable and competitive. Such initiatives represent a concrete step toward strengthening Indonesia’s marine and fisheries sector while supporting inclusive economic growth for coastal communities. In the long term, improving post-harvest handling practices will not only enhance the quality of seaweed products but also contribute to the resilience of local aquaculture systems and the global competitiveness of Indonesia’s fisheries commodities.
