Agro Investama Group proudly marks a historic achievement as the first company in Indonesia to export seaweed-based fertilizer to Japan. The inaugural shipment was released from the company’s Liquid Seaweed Fertilizer Plant in Ketapang, South Lampung, 20 November 2024. It’s an important milestone proving that innovative agricultural products developed by local farmers and entrepreneurs can compete on the global stage.
This export achievement is part of a long-term collaboration between PT Agro Investama Group, led by President Director Petrus Tjandra, and the Government of Japan through the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation (OFCF). Together, both parties developed a state-of-the-art facility that produces liquid organic seaweed fertilizer, along with its derivative products such as solid fertilizers and seaweed-based food materials, all based on a zero-waste production process.
The plant, which began operations in October 2023, stands as the first and largest seaweed fertilizer production facility in Lampung—one of Indonesia’s key seaweed-producing regions. This facility reflects Agro Investama Group’s commitment to advancing Indonesia’s sustainable agriculture ecosystem through innovation, technology, and empowerment of coastal communities.
According to Petrus Tjandra, Indonesia’s domestic fertilizer needs remain unmet, often forcing farmers to rely on costly imported fertilizers.
“Indonesia is an agrarian country, yet national fertilizer demand is still not fulfilled, forcing imports. Farmers struggle with shortages and high prices. Meanwhile, seaweed contains all macro and micro nutrients that plants need. This is a real solution,” said Petrus.
Driven by this mission, Agro Investama Group invited Japanese investors to Lampung to support the development of this zero-waste seaweed fertilizer industry—aligning with Japan’s long-standing philosophy of sustainable, back-to-nature agriculture. The use of seaweed as the main raw material brings multiple advantages: environmentally friendly, nutrient-rich, abundant in coastal areas, and capable of strengthening the resilience of Indonesia’s fertilizer supply.
In addition to championing sustainable production, Agro Investama Group ensures that the seaweed fertilizer industry prioritizes local empowerment, creating new jobs and strengthening the economic foundations of coastal communities.
“Expanding Indonesia’s export access to Japan is a strategic step. This opens more doors for high-quality Indonesian products to enter the Japanese market,” Petrus added.
The initiative also earned strong support from the Provincial Government of Lampung. Makmur Hidayat, Secretary of the Lampung Province Marine and Fisheries Office, stated that the regional government welcomes the development of seaweed-based fertilizer production.
“This initiative not only empowers coastal communities and boosts their economic opportunities, but also helps address fertilizer scarcity in Lampung. The development of seaweed biostimulants is a concrete contribution to achieving national food security,” he said.
The export of seaweed-based liquid fertilizer to Japan signifies much more than commercial success—it represents Indonesia’s growing capability to deliver sustainable agricultural innovations that meet international standards. As global demand for green agricultural products increases, Agro Investama Group is committed to strengthening its role as a leader in renewable agriculture, organic fertilizers, biostimulants, and zero-waste seaweed processing.
This milestone is a new chapter for Indonesia’s agritech sector—one where local strength, sustainability, and international collaboration are combined to bring Indonesian innovation to the world.
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