ITB Launches Solar-Based Seaweed Drying Technology on the Coast of Cirebon, Encouraging a Blue Economy for the Community

By Vito Egi Nandriansyah - Teknik Geofisika, 2021

Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.

The ITB Oceanography Study Program team, along with Muara Village residents, in front of the Solar-Based Seaweed Drying Technology Installation in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah. (ITB/Team Documentation)

CIREBON, itb.ac.id — Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) through the program “Community Development Equity 2025” In collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah, the program is delivering innovative, appropriate technology to improve the quality and efficiency of seaweed processing in coastal areas. This program is being implemented in Muara Village as part of efforts to strengthen the local community's blue economy.

The team from the ITB Oceanography Study Program integrated the expertise of the Applied Oceanography Research Group (KK) in coastal technology engineering and the Environmental Oceanography Research Group (KK) in socio-economic approaches to community development. The program was led by Susanna Nurdjaman as the team leader, along with a team consisting of Andi Egon, Dayu Wiyati Purnaningtyas, and Saat Mubarrok, and involved ITB Oceanography students, Dimas Rama Dhinata, Fauzan Pratama, Feri Saputra, Hudzaifah, Muhammad Fahri Gunawan, dan Syafrizal Hidayat.

One of the main innovations presented is the 5 x 2 meter communal dry oven installation with a solar panel-based facility. This technology is designed to increase the efficiency and hygiene of the seaweed drying process while reducing dependence on weather conditions.

Installation and construction of the communal dry oven for seaweed. (ITB/Team Documentation)

Until now, the seaweed drying process in Muara Village has been carried out traditionally using direct sunlight. This method is considered suboptimal because it is highly dependent on the weather and susceptible to sand and dirt contamination, which can reduce the quality of the harvest.

Through the use of a dry oven, solar-powered drying processes are faster, cleaner, and meet quality standards. Furthermore, the use of renewable energy makes this technology environmentally friendly and sustainable.

This program focuses not only on providing technology but also emphasizes community empowerment. Approximately 25 members of the seaweed farming group received training in equipment operation and maintenance, enabling them to manage the technology independently and ensure the program's sustainability.

Seaweed arrangement in the installation dry oven that has been awakened. (ITB/Team Documentation)

The series of activities was carried out in stages, starting with site surveys, equipment installation, training, and monitoring. The inauguration took place on April 4, 2026. dry ovens as well as socialization to the Muara Village community, especially seaweed farmers.

This initiative is expected to address post-harvest seaweed challenges in coastal areas while simultaneously increasing the competitiveness of local products. The program also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly by promoting economic growth, sustainable production, and the wise use of marine resources.

As the team leader, Dr. Susanna Nurdjaman, S.Si., M.T., delivered, “We hoped that this solar-based communal system could be replicated in various coastal areas in Indonesia as part of strengthening the marine sector based on innovation and sustainability."

The entire team conducting a research survey in the relevant area. (ITB/Team Documentation)
Reporter: Vito Egi Nandriansyah (Geophysical Engineering, 2021)

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