Through Collaboration with Agree, Seaweed Cultivation in East Nusa Tenggara Generated 12 Billion Rupiah in Transactions

Jakarta, 29 August 2023 – To accelerate economical and accessible digitalization for all, PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom), through Agree, an agribusiness platform under Leap-Telkom Digital (Leap), is digitizing seaweed cultivation in East Nusa Tenggara. This initiative includes collaboration between Agree and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to implement digital technology across the seaweed value chain ecosystem in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara.

"The quality of Indonesian seaweed, particularly in East Nusa Tenggara, is highly regarded and has become a significant agricultural commodity exported to various countries. Through the Agree platform collaboration with ILO, seaweed farmers in East Nusa Tenggara can harness digital technology to increase their yields," Telkom Digital Business Director, Muhamad Fajrin Rasyid said.

As an initial step, PT Algae Sumba Timur Lestari (ASTIL), an agribusiness company owned by the East Sumba district government and a partner of ILO has begun using the platform. ASTIL utilizes Agree upstream-downstream traceability services to digitalize its seaweed supply chain. This traceability enables monitoring and recording of each stage of seaweed cultivation, including maintenance, processing, and product distribution.

"Micro, small, and medium enterprises play a crucial role in job creation in Indonesia and are a priority for ILO's national decent work program. In East Nusa Tenggara, seaweed cultivation is a labor-intensive sector and a key commodity. Therefore, we are enthusiastic about partnering with Agree to strengthen the seaweed ecosystem in East Nusa Tenggara through digital technology,"  ILO Promise II Impact Project Manager, Djauhari Sitorus said.

In addition to providing upstream-downstream traceability, Agree will dispatch field assistants for outreach and recording, consistent with ILO ongoing activities that have previously included training from international experts for seaweed farmers in East Nusa Tenggara. Telkom’s efforts through Agree, in collaboration with ILO, represent significant strides toward enhancing community welfare and economic equity in East Nusa Tenggara. Over the past three months, transactions that Agree facilitated between farmers and ASTIL have surpassed 12 billion rupiah.

Seaweed cultivation constitutes the primary livelihood for many coastal communities in East Nusa Tenggara. Through the Agree platform's digital technology, seaweed farmers in the region can enhance their yields by monitoring and analyzing product quality. Moreover, Agree simplifies communication and transactions for farmers via a single platform.

"Agree aims to boost seaweed production in East Nusa Tenggara, directly impacting the welfare of seaweed farmers. Looking ahead, we aspire for Agree to serve all Indonesian regions, fostering increased welfare among Indonesian farmers," Fajrin said.

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