DPR Member: We Have Abundant Seaweed and Cassava, Why Import Expensive Plastic?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Gandung Pardiman, a member of Commission VII of the House of Representatives from the Golkar faction, stated that Indonesia is blessed with seaweed and cassava as alternative raw materials for plastic. Gandung assessed that utilising seaweed and cassava is a strategic step to curb dependence on expensive plastic imports, while also opening new markets for farmers and fishermen. “I strongly support the concrete steps taken by Minister Maman. This is not just about production cost efficiency for SMEs, but also about economic sovereignty. Why do we import expensive plastic when our seaweed and cassava are abundant?” Gandung said to reporters on Sunday (19/4/2026). Gandung explained that Indonesia, as the world’s second-largest seaweed producer and a major cassava producer, should become a key player in bioplastics. In fact, according to Gandung, local raw materials can be made cheaper with added value for farmers. “This is a momentum for downstreaming local commodities. SMEs in packaging, culinary, and retail can switch to cassava or seaweed bioplastics. The government must provide incentives for machinery, training, and market guarantees,” he said. Gandung called on the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs to collaborate with the Ministry of Industry and BRIN to accelerate research, standardisation, and certification of local bioplastic products so they can compete in terms of quality and price. “If SMEs are empowered with local raw materials, farmers will prosper, imports will decrease, and the environment will be preserved. This is what is meant by public benefit. It aligns with President Prabowo’s directive that all domestic resources be maximised for national industrial competitiveness,” Gandung added.