ABOUT SAMBUNG ASA
Two college friends and a seaweed expert. That’s who we are, the founders of Sambung Asa. Founded on a single belief: empowering coastal communities in Indonesia through seaweed activities.
Our journey began with a shared passion for making a difference in the lives of coastal communities. As college and dive buddies, Julius and Yudhistira often discussed the challenges faced by these communities and brainstormed ways to address them. It was during these conversations that we realized the untapped potential of seaweed farming as a sustainable solution to uplift livelihoods and promote economic resilience along Indonesia’s coastlines.
Driven by this vision, we teamed up with Maria Gigih, a seaweed expert whose expertise and knowledge since 1994 has become invaluable assets to the mission. Together, we founded Sambung Asa with a mission to empower coastal communities through seaweed activities. The goal is not just to cultivate seaweed but to create sustainable livelihoods, foster economic growth, and preserve marine ecosystems for future generations.
In Bahasa, Sambung Asa is the antonym of “putus asa” (despair). We chose this name because throughout our journey in the seaweed industry, we encountered many farmers, communities, and entrepreneurs who felt hopeless and desperate due to failures or fraudulent practices they experienced. We hope that our activities will connect the hopes of these people and contribute to developing and expanding the seaweed industry in the surrounding areas, Indonesia, and even globally.
Empowering Communities. Cultivating Hope. Sambung Asa.
ABOUT SAMBUNG ASA
Two college friends and a seaweed expert. That’s who we are, the founders of Sambung Asa. Founded on a single belief: empowering coastal communities in Indonesia through seaweed activities.
Our journey began with a shared passion for making a difference in the lives of coastal communities. As college and dive buddies, Julius and Yudhistira often discussed the challenges faced by these communities and brainstormed ways to address them. It was during these conversations that we realized the untapped potential of seaweed farming as a sustainable solution to uplift livelihoods and promote economic resilience along Indonesia’s coastlines.
Driven by this vision, we teamed up with Maria Gigih, a seaweed expert whose expertise and knowledge since 1994 has become invaluable assets to the mission. Together, we founded Sambung Asa with a mission to empower coastal communities through seaweed activities. The goal is not just to cultivate seaweed but to create sustainable livelihoods, foster economic growth, and preserve marine ecosystems for future generations.
In Bahasa, Sambung Asa is the antonym of “putus asa” (despair). We chose this name because throughout our journey in the seaweed industry, we encountered many farmers, communities, and entrepreneurs who felt hopeless and desperate due to failures or fraudulent practices they experienced. We hope that our activities will connect the hopes of these people and contribute to developing and expanding the seaweed industry in the surrounding areas, Indonesia, and even globally.
Empowering Communities. Cultivating Hope. Sambung Asa.
Maria Gigih Setiarti
A community educator, entrepreneur, and expert in seaweed processing with a career spanning back to 1994. Maria’s extensive experience includes advising local governments in Indonesia and conducting training programs on seaweed processing both domestically and internationally, in countries such as Fiji, Timor Leste, Tanzania, and the Solomon Islands. Her commitment to advancing the seaweed industry through education and innovative practices has been instrumental in fostering sustainable growth and development in the sector.
Julius Bernardus
Over a decade of experience in the retail and marketing sectors, collaborating with global brands such as Apple, Sony, Carrefour, and Best Denki. Currently, at Sambung Asa, Julius leverages more than three years of specialized expertise in the seaweed industry, focusing on farming, trading, and organizing training programs. His diverse background ensures a unique perspective and comprehensive approach to advancing our seaweed operations.
Yudhistira Wiryawan
Yudhistira holds a Civil Engineering degree and an MSc in Environmental Science from Wageningen University (The Netherlands). With extensive experience in developing and implementing wastewater treatment plants and renewable energy projects, particularly waste-to-energy initiatives, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable solutions. Over the past three years, he has served as the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at Sambung Asa, where he oversees technical operations, research, and development for the startup.
Why Seaweed?
INDONESIAN TROPICAL COASTLINE
Indonesia’s vast coastlines and climate are highly conducive to seaweed growth
SIMPLE AND EASY CULTIVATION
Seaweed cultivation does not need fertilizers, easy to replicate, and creates job opportunities for coastal communities.
FAST GROWING
Harvest after 45 days.
CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION
Absorb more CO2 and produce more O2 than any other flora on land.
HIGH DEMAND
The demand for seaweed continues to soar across industries such as healthy food, animal feed, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
