UNAIR NEWS – Falasifah SSi, Co-Founder and Director of Albitec, revealed the potential of microalgae as a commodity that could support the development of the blue economy in Indonesia. She shared this at Airlangga Maritime Week (AMW), held by the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), on Sunday (September 20, 2026). The event took place at the Joint Lecture Building (GKB), 9th floor, MERR-C Campus, UNAIR.
Microalgae for the blue economy
Falasifah explained that microalgae can be developed without excessively depleting natural stocks. Since 2017, Albitec has been isolating and developing microalgae strains for propagation through culture. She said this approach is part of a sustainable cultivation effort, while also unlocking economic opportunities through biomass and various derivative products.
“Since 2017, we started with isolation, then developed the strains, and multiplied them through culture. We’re not continuously taking from nature,” Falasifah said.
Beyond cultivation, microalgae also hold potential for carbon sequestration. The biomass produced through this process can be developed into economically valuable products. Falasifah also explained plans to develop community groups to cultivate Spirulina and produce its various derivative products.
Synergy between research and industry
Falasifah emphasized the importance of synergy between academia, research, and industry in developing the microalgae ecosystem. She believes students need to gain experience through projects with real-world application, not only laboratory-based activities. “We need to bring research and academia together with industry,” she said.
She cited a number of production tools developed in-house as an example, since Indonesia’s microalgae business ecosystem is still developing. Various derivative products, ranging from food and animal feed to skincare and biofertilizer, are also seen as having strong potential for development through collaboration with various stakeholders.
In growing its business, Albitec has also built partnerships with the government, including the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Trade. International networks continue to expand through partners in Japan, Korea, and Europe, aimed at advancing microalgae technology and market development.
Five steps for students
For students, Falasifah shared five steps they can take from early in their college years: mastering one species, learning culture techniques, attending seminars, building small projects, and strengthening publications and networks.
She encouraged students to start building simple projects as a way to develop their creativity and experience. “Build small projects, because in my opinion, Indonesians are creative,” she said.
Through the development of microalgae, Falasifah hopes the growth of the industry will benefit not only companies, but also open up broader opportunities for communities to take part in the blue economy ecosystem.
Author: Abraham Chrisanta Putra
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
