MEDAN, 2 November 2026 — The North Sumatra Provincial Marine Affairs and Fisheries Agency (DKP Sumut) is exploring collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), on studies into salt and seaweed development in North Nias Regency. This initial exploration marks the first step toward developing coastal commodities based on research and community needs.

The meeting was attended by the Dean of the USU Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Rulianda Purnomo Wibowo, S.P., M.Ec., and the Head of the USU Aquatic Resources Management (MSP) Study Program, Dr. Ahmad Muhtadi, S.Pi., M.Si. Representing DKP Sumut were the Head of the Coastal and Small Islands Division, Fitra Kurnia, S.E., M.Si., and the Head of the Aquaculture, Fisheries Product Processing, and Marketing Division, Muhammad Riza Kurnia Lubis, S.Pi., M.Si. The meeting was also attended by lecturers from the MSP and Agribusiness (AGB) Study Programs at USU.

The meeting between DKP Sumut and the USU Faculty of Agriculture discussing the exploration of studies into salt and seaweed development in North Nias Regency.

The proposed studies are intended to provide a scientific basis for assessing site suitability, technology options, and business feasibility for salt and seaweed development. The involvement of the MSP and Agribusiness fields creates opportunities for an integrated approach connecting aquatic environmental conditions with production, processing, marketing, and economic benefits for the community.

For salt development, the studies may cover climatic conditions, seawater quality, land availability, and suitable production technologies. Meanwhile, seaweed studies may examine water suitability, species and seed selection, cultivation methods, and opportunities to increase product added value.

A discussion between DKP Sumut and the USU Faculty of Agriculture regarding the proposed studies on salt and seaweed development in North Nias Regency.

The direction of this collaboration is particularly aligned with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between the government and higher education institutions, as well as SDG 14: Life Below Water, through strengthening scientific knowledge for the sustainable utilization of marine resources. Technology development and business feasibility also have the potential to support SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. These connections represent the intended contributions, with their achievement depending on subsequent actions and program outcomes.

A group photo of representatives from DKP Sumut and the USU Faculty of Agriculture during the exploration of collaboration on studies into salt and seaweed development in North Nias.

Through this initial exploration, DKP Sumut and the USU Faculty of Agriculture are expected to formulate a scope of study suited to the coastal characteristics of North Nias. The results may serve as a basis for consideration in developing technically and economically feasible salt and seaweed industries while taking environmental sustainability into account.