DENPASAR ~

Bali will no longer export seaweed, its primary export commodity in recent years, since its production fulfilled only the needs of local markets and it was traded among islands of Java, a top official said.

Speaking here on Saturday, Head of the Bali Provincial National Bureau of Statistics Pansunan Siregar stated that other marine products are also no longer part of the foreign trade list, according to data from the 2013 agricultural census. “Beside seaweed, other commodities such as shark fin and fish seeds are not registered for export, as well,” he added.

Siregar pointed out that there are several costs incurred in maintaining seaweed production. For example, seedlings are charged at Rp213,400, which is about 45 percent of the total costs.

In addition, workers’ salaries as well as expenditure on business facilities and other equipment for seaweed are among other costs involved.

According to Head of the Bali Provincial Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Office I Made Gunaja, a number of seaweed farmers in Nusa Penida had quit their profession to become tour guides and boat parking attendants.

This is because these professions have better prospects due to the rise in tourist arrivals to the island, which is a 30-minute boat ride away from Sanur Beach.

As a matter of fact, the Bali government noted that Nusa Penida, a coastal district in the mainland, has potential for the development of seaweed production and is capable of providing significant economic value.

A seaweed farm of 100 square meters with a production cost of only Rp0.48 million is capable of producing yields worth Rp1.1 million. Therefore, it gains twice from the commodity.

However, since Nusa Penida was categorized as a marine conservation area, its tourism sector has been improving and the region has been getting crowded. Nusa Penida is known for its beautiful coral reefs, population of rare fish species and its famous craft of woven fabric.