Indonesia, South Korea to develop seaweed as biofuel feedstock

Indonesia and South Korea agreed to develop a seaweed-based biofuel as part of their commitment to encourage green energies and tackle global warming. Secretary General of Indonesia’s Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry Widi Agoes Pratikto and Kyoung-hoan Na, president of the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) signed a memorandum of agreement to use Indonesia’s seaweed resources and South Korea’s advanced technology to develop biofuel as the latter’s high demand for energy could fuel a strong economic relationship. Locations being considered as potential sites for research and development in Indonesia are the south-central province of West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and the two-island province of Bangka-Belitung in the western part of the country. (March 10, 2009)