Uniting Farmers’ Voices for Sustainable Seaweed Cultivation in Sabu Raijua

Last weekend, the atmosphere in Lobohede and Deme villages in Sabu Raijua was quite different. Hundreds of seaweed farmers gathered for a field meeting organized by Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), in collaboration with the Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office (DKP) of East Nusa Tenggara and the Sabu Raijua District Fisheries Office. The meeting took place on September 27-28, 2025.

The event was attended by the Head of DKP NTT, Sulastri Rasyid, and the Head of DKP Sabu Raijua, Rachel Billik Tallo, along with their technical teams. This face-to-face meeting provided a forum for farmers from Hawu Mehara, East Sabu, and Sabu Liae sub-districts to share lessons, challenges, and aspirations for seaweed farming in their area.

The first day of the meeting took place in Lobohede Village, Hawu Mehara, on 27 September 2025, with seaweed farmers from Lobohede and Lederaga villages. The following day, activities were held in Deme Village, Sabu Liae, also involving farmers from Loborai and Bodae in East Sabu.

Sulastri Rasyid emphasized the importance of designating specific areas for seedling nurseries. “To maintain seed quality and prevent disease, we need dedicated nurseries. Moving forward, DKP NTT will establish seedling nurseries. Seeds will no longer be distributed directly; instead, they will be cultivated together. These nurseries will align with the government’s strategic programs,” she explained.

She added that sustainable seaweed farming is the future of Sabu Raijua’s coastal economy. It not only boosts production but also ensures future generations will benefit.

Similarly, Rachel Billik Tallo confirmed that a seedling program will start next year. “We will identify suitable locations for nurseries and collaborate with YKAN, which has extensive experience assisting farming groups,” she said.

The field meeting also served to disseminate the results of the sustainable seaweed farming seminar held in June 2025 and to share lessons on implementing Best Management Practices (BMP).

“BMP is a comprehensive approach to sustainable seaweed farming developed by YKAN with farmers, researchers, and other partners. It includes nursery modeling, selecting superior seeds, choosing environmentally friendly sites, and post-harvest drying facilities that meet national standards. It also helps connect seaweed products to environmentally conscious markets,” explained Muhammad Zia Ul Haq, YKAN’s Sawu Sea Program Manager.

Feedback from the Field and Sustainability

The dialogue was warm and interactive. Farmers shared their practical challenges. Djibrael Kale Dita, from Lederaga Village, suggested making the YKAN-introduced drying facilities accessible to more people: “By using these drying racks, seaweed remains cleaner, free from livestock waste, and work becomes more efficient,” he said.

Elisabeth Radja Nguru from Lobohede Village shared her BMP experience: “Through BMP, we learned to maintain the site, select quality seeds, and dry according to standards. The results are clear—faster harvests, better quality.”

The forum also addressed challenges in seaweed farming. One pressing issue was the ice-ice disease, which often damages crops. Researchers from BRIN recommended rotating farm sites, updating the seasonal calendar, and selecting seaweed varieties suited to the season.

Another challenge is climate change, which has made weather patterns increasingly unpredictable. Farmers need continuously updated information. YKAN is committed to supporting the dissemination of this information, enabling farmers to adjust their farming techniques in a timely manner.

All participants agreed to strengthen collaboration, ensure farmers’ voices are reflected in policies, and provide solutions that combine scientific knowledge with local wisdom. With synergy, the seaweed sector can become a pillar of community welfare while safeguarding marine ecosystems.