Empowering 650+ Seaweed Farmers: How Koltiva and ILO Drive Traceability in Aquaculture for Sustainable Supply Chains in East Nusa Tenggara
- Gusi Ayu Putri Chandrika Sari
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Introduction: Empowering Seaweed Farmers Through Digital Innovation
The global demand for sustainable and transparent supply chains has never been greater. For businesses and food enterprises, ensuring traceability from seed to table is no longer optional, it’s a necessity. In East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, over 650 seaweed farmers are embracing this transformation, moving towards a digitised, traceable, and bankable supply chain.
This milestone is part of the PROMISE II IMPACT initiative, a project led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK), with funding from SECO Economic Cooperation and Development.
At Koltiva, we are proud to support this journey by deploying our KoltiTrace, FarmGate, and FarmXtension platforms to digitise seaweed production for PT Algae Sumba Timur Lestari (ASTIL), a regional government-owned enterprise (BUMD), in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This collaboration reflects our mission: to build inclusive, sustainable supply chains that empower local communities while meeting global sustainability standards.
Why Digitalisation Matters for Traceability in Aquaculture
Conventional aquaculture supply chains are frequently opaque, which poses challenges for companies seeking to confirm sourcing methods, uphold sustainability, and mitigate potential risks. For seaweed farmers in East Nusa Tenggara, limited access to financial services and market visibility has historically hindered growth and resilience.
Without accurate and timely data, businesses face blind spots that lead to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and sustainability gaps. As Adhiet Yogi Utomo, Business Development Manager at Koltiva, explains:
“The first and most crucial step in transforming any supplychain is digitalizing the data. Without accurate and timely information, it’s impossible to see the full picture. Once we have that data, we can build traceability systems that bring transparency and accountability to every stage of the supply chain. That’s when businesses can truly understand their operations, identify gaps, and make smarter, data-driven decisions that improve efficiency, sustainability, and long-term impact.” Adhiet Yogi Utomo, Business Development Manager, Koltiva
Digitalisation enables end-to-end traceability, ensuring every step, from cultivation to processing, is recorded and verified. This transparency builds trust with consumers, strengthens compliance with sustainability standards, and opens doors for farmers to access financial services.
Koltiva’s Role in Seaweed Supply Chain Transformation
Through the PROMISE II IMPACT project, Koltiva provides a suite of digital solutions tailored for seaweed farmers:
KoltiTrace: A robust platform for end-to-end traceability, enabling businesses to track products from farm to final destination.
FarmGate: Facilitates market visibility and connects farmers directly with buyers, improving income opportunities.
FarmXtension: Supports farmer profiling, creating pathways for financial inclusion and bankable farmers.
These tools deliver real-time data insights, production forecasting, and sustainability metrics, empowering farmers and businesses to make informed decisions.
Driving Inclusive Growth and Financial Access
One of the key objectives of PROMISE II IMPACT is to improve entrepreneurs’ access to financial services. By digitising operations, farmers can demonstrate reliability and productivity, making them eligible for credit and investment. This transformation turns seaweed farming into a bankable enterprise, fostering economic resilience in local communities.
As Tomas Sugiono, National Project Coordinator at ILO, highlights:
“We partner with Koltiva because of its strong track record in implementing digital solutions for sustainable supply chains. Their expertise in combining field-level data collection with end-to-end traceability platforms makes them an ideal partner for this project. We believe that, with Koltiva’s support, we can accelerate digital transformation in the seaweed sector and achieve the inclusive economic outcomes we aim for” Tomas Sugiono, National Project Coordinator, International Labour Organization.
Benefits for Business and Sustainability Leaders
For business clients, sustainability directors, and multinational food companies, partnering with Koltiva offers strategic advantages:
Compliance with global sustainability standards
Enhanced supply chain transparency for ESG reporting
Improved operational efficiency through data-driven insights
Risk mitigation by identifying gaps and ensuring accountability
Positive social impact by empowering smallholder farmers
Building Resilient and Transparent Aquaculture Practices
The seaweed sector in East Nusa Tenggara is just the beginning. Koltiva’s solutions are designed to scale across diverse commodities, supporting businesses in achieving supply chain resilience, climate-smart practices, and inclusive growth.
“We partner with Koltiva because of its strong track record in implementing digital solutions for sustainable supply chains. Their expertise in combining field-level data collection with end-to-end traceability platforms makes them an ideal partner for this project. We believe that, with Koltiva’s support, we can accelerate digital transformation in the seaweed sector and achieve the inclusive economic outcomes we aim for.” Tomas Sugiono, National Project Coordinator, International Labour Organization.
Why Partner with Koltiva? Business clients, sustainability leaders, and global food companies benefit from Koltiva’s approach in several ways:
Meeting international sustainability requirements
Greater supply chain transparency for ESG reporting
Smarter, more efficient operations using real-time data
Reducing risks by spotting issues early and taking action
Supporting smallholder farmers and creating positive change in local communities
Strengthening Aquaculture for the Future
Koltiva’s digital tools make it easier for businesses to shift away from old-fashioned systems and build supply chains that are ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
By integrating digital traceability in aquaculture and farmer-centric platforms, Koltiva helps businesses transition from traditional models to sustainable, future-ready supply chains.
The transformation of seaweed farming in East Nusa Tenggara demonstrates what’s possible when technology meets sustainability. At Koltiva, we believe that digital innovation is the foundation for inclusive and transparent supply chains—benefiting farmers, businesses, and the planet.
Are you ready to build a traceable, sustainable, and bankable supply chain for your business? Learn more about Koltiva’s solutions and join us in shaping the future of sustainable supply chains
Author: Gusi Ayu Putri Chandrika Sari, Social Media and Sustainability Enthusiast
About the Author:
Gusi Ayu Putri Chandrika Sari, serving as Koltiva's dedicated Communication and Social Media Expert at KOLTIVA, brings an impressive more than 5-year track record in communications, bolstered by a profound enthusiasm for sustainability, technology, and agriculture. Her extensive experience in communications has honed her skills in crafting compelling narratives and engaging content across various digital platforms.
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