Unhas Partners with South Korea on Sustainable Seaweed Innovation

Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) has officially forged a strategic partnership with South Korean company Solforto Co Ltd, focused on strengthening aquaculture, particularly sustainable seaweed cultivation. Unhas Rector Prof Jamaluddin Jompa in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Thursday, stated that seaweed is a strategic commodity with a significant role in fortifying the national economy, promoting maritime-based industries, and enhancing the welfare of coastal communities. The development of this sector requires collaboration between universities, government, and industry to foster greater innovation and competitiveness. “Seaweed holds great potential for Indonesia’s future. Through this partnership, we aim to bring research, innovation, and technology that provide tangible benefits to society, while strengthening Indonesia’s position as one of the world’s centres for seaweed development,” he said. The partnership also opens broad opportunities for students, lecturers, and researchers through academic mobility programmes. The prepared scheme includes student exchanges for internships and research training, as well as expert exchanges to enhance the scientific capacity of both institutions. In addition to the MoU signing, Unhas received a visit from Korea’s National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS) in the Southeast Maluku Seaweed Cultivator Facilitation Programme. This programme is part of Indonesia-Korea cooperation under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) scheme. The activities were conducted in Makassar City and Takalar Regency. Unhas was selected as one of the locations for learning on research-based seaweed development, technological innovation, and community empowerment.