BPH Global Partners With Indonesian Institute for Makassar Seaweed Operations
BPH Global partners with Indonesian maritime institute to advance Makassar seaweed operations
BPH Global has executed a binding Memorandum of Understanding with the Maritime Institute of Technology and Business (ITBM) Balik Diwa Makassar through its Indonesian subsidiary, PT BPH Global Indonesia. The agreement, with a 4-year term from execution, establishes a cooperation framework covering education, research, development, innovation and operational activities to support the Company’s coastal seaweed cultivation site in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi.
The MoU operates as a non-exclusive, overarching framework agreement under which specific commercial arrangements will be governed by separate implementing agreements. This structure is designed to support the development and operation of the Takalar site, located approximately 40–50 km south of Makassar.
This formalises an academic partnership that addresses two key operational needs simultaneously: workforce development and research capability integration at the Indonesian site.
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What is an MoU and why it matters for early-stage project development
A Memorandum of Understanding is a formal agreement establishing intent to collaborate before detailed commercial contracts are finalised. The MoU functions as a general framework agreement, with specific commercial arrangements to be governed by separate implementing agreements.
This structure allows flexibility to define scope, funding, responsibilities and timelines on a project-by-project basis. Under the framework, intellectual property will be owned by PT BPH Global Indonesia.
For investors, MoUs signal formalised intent without locking in rigid terms. This structure protects the Company’s IP while enabling staged commercial development as specific opportunities are validated.
Student workforce model provides scalable operational foundation
ITBM students will support cultivation, processing and R&D activities at the Takalar site under supervision of the Company’s Chief Scientific Officer, appointed as announced on 27 March 2026. Initial engagement with ITBM will be implemented through structured student participation pursuant to a specific engagement agreement.
ITBM students will undertake:
- Internships, training and applied research placements
- Maintenance of aquaculture ponds and tank systems
- Seaweed cultivation and harvesting activities
- Processing and handling operations
- Research and development activities
Matthew Leonard, Managing Director
“This Memorandum of Understanding with ITBM represents an important step in the development of our Takalar coastal site, with student engagement expected to form the initial foundation of our on-site operating model. The integration of ITBM students across cultivation, processing and research activities—under the supervision of our newly appointed Chief Scientific Officer—provides a scalable, locally aligned workforce while embedding research capability directly within our operations.”
A student-supported model provides cost-efficient workforce scaling while building local operational capability and embedding research functions directly into site activities.
Takalar site development progresses toward integrated seaweed hub
The Company secured the Takalar coastal site as announced on 22 April 2026. The site comprises approximately 3.4 hectares and is being developed as an integrated seaweed cultivation and processing hub.
| Site Capability | Application Focus |
|---|---|
| Sea grape (Caulerpa) cultivation | Food products |
| Multi-species seaweed tank cultivation (including Ulva spp.) | Research & commercial production |
| Processing, drying and handling infrastructure | Export-ready product preparation |
| Downstream applications | Food, nutraceutical and agricultural inputs |
The MoU includes work on emerging seaweed species such as Ulva lactuca and Caulerpa species. The collaboration is intended to support the development, utilisation and industrial downstreaming of R&D outputs across the site’s capabilities.
The partnership strengthens the pathway from raw cultivation to value-added downstream products across multiple market segments.
Commercial collaboration pathways under the framework
The MoU establishes a framework to explore broader commercial collaboration opportunities with ITBM. Potential collaboration areas include:
- Project-level participation
- Investment opportunities
- Joint development activities
- Site expansion support
Funding arrangements will be agreed on a project-by-project basis. Governance is subject to Indonesian law and periodic evaluation.
The framework opens potential co-investment pathways that could reduce capital burden as the Takalar site scales toward commercial production.
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Strategic rationale and next steps
The Company has outlined six strategic benefits from the partnership:
- Progress commercial development of Takalar coastal asset
- Establish scalable, student-supported operating model
- Introduce potential local project partners and co-investment pathways
- Strengthen operational execution capability in Indonesia
- Integrate research, workforce and commercial development activities
- Support long-term downstream product and value-added strategy
The Company will update the market as specific project agreements and commercial activities are progressed under the MoU framework.
This MoU moves BPH Global from site acquisition toward active operational development, with defined pathways for workforce, research and potential partner capital as the project advances.
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