#Indonesia #Space Seed #Gorontalo #Awina Sinergi #Gorontalo University

Collaborative Agreement for Sustainable Aquatic Resource Development

On August 10, 2026, Space Seed Holdings Co., Ltd. (SSHD) signed a cooperation agreement with PT Awina Sinergi International and the Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries at Gorontalo State University (UNG). This agreement focuses on the advancement of research, talent development, and commercialization within the fields of agribusiness and sustainable aquatic resource management.

Background: Retaining Value in Local Communities

Gorontalo Province is blessed with rich agricultural products including corn and palm, alongside diverse marine resources such as squid and tuna. However, many of these primary products are exported without undergoing processing, resulting in a loss of potential value that could benefit the local community. The Indonesian government's strategy, known as “hilirisasi” (downstream industrialization), aims to address this imbalance by enhancing the local processing of agricultural goods and marine resources.

SSHD is focused on increasing the added value of agricultural and fishery products through Japanese food and bio-technologies, particularly fermentation methods, and establishing a cyclical model utilizing processing residuals as feed and raw materials. Awina specializes in renewable energy and waste management while acting as a bridge for business collaboration between Japan and Indonesia. By integrating the academic expertise and regional network of UNG's Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, the collaboration aims to connect technology, business, and academic insights for societal implementation.

Agreement Overview

Agreement Name

Cooperation Agreement for Research, Talent Development, and Industrialization in Agribusiness and Sustainable Fisheries Resource Management

Date of Signing

August 10, 2026

Location

Gorontalo City, Indonesia (UNG Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries)

Parties Involved

• - Space Seed Holdings Co., Ltd.
• - PT Awina Sinergi International
• - Gorontalo State University Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries

Validity Period

Five years from the date of signing (can be extended through mutual written agreement)

Areas of Cooperation

Under this agreement, the three parties have committed to collaborate in the following areas:

• - Joint research and development for the industrialization of agribusiness, focusing on local agricultural products and their by-products.
• - Research and practice in sustainable fisheries resource management, including fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal ecosystem management.
• - Talent development opportunities for UNG marine science students, including internships, practical training, and field learning experiences.
• - Sharing of data, information, and academic knowledge.
• - Co-authoring papers to present findings at domestic and international academic journals and forums.
• - Preparing applications for international joint research funding programs, such as SATREPS.
• - Contributing to the local community by engaging coastal residents, farmers, and fishermen in social contribution activities and empowering the local economy.
• - Creating employment opportunities for graduates within SSHD and Awina's business ecosystem.

Specific details, goals, responsible persons, and cost-sharing will be outlined in separately negotiated agreements as needed.

Roles of Each Party

SSHD

• - Act as a research and technology supporter, also participating in international strategic partnerships, joint research, and co-authoring papers.

Awina

• - Bridging SSHD, UNG, and the Indonesian industrial ecosystem by providing access to local project sites and coordinating activities regularly.

UNG Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries

• - Provide faculty, students, and research facilities and facilitate participation in research activities and internships, documenting collaboration outcomes for university key performance indicators (IKU).

Contributions to University Performance Metrics and SDGs

This agreement aims to support the accomplishment of Indonesia's Ministry of Education and Higher Education standards for university performance, specifically regarding graduate employment rates, student activities, faculty recognition, industry collaboration, international research publication, and contributions toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 14.

Statements from the Stakeholders:

Kengo Suzuki, CEO of Space Seed Holdings
"Gorontalo has significant agricultural and marine resources. However, if primary products are exported without processing, the value added through manufacturing is lost to the region. Japanese fermentation and bio-technologies are ways to build that value before raw materials leave. Forming this tri-partite framework with the university is crucial because it's not just about machinery or contracts, but the people involved. When students get hands-on experience and faculty engage in international research, that is when hilirisasi will become a sustainable industry rather than just a temporary project."

Ananda Setiyo Ivannanto, President Director of PT Awina Sinergi International
"There is already technology and demand between Japan and Indonesia. What’s lacking is the connection to ground-level operations. Awina has been fulfilling that role in renewable energy and circular economy projects. With the university's local knowledge, we can ensure that the business emerges connected to real community needs."

Prof. Dr. Ir. Yuniarti Koniyo, MP, Dean of Gorontalo University Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries
"This agreement brings international opportunities for both students and faculty. The agricultural and marine resources in Gorontalo hold vast potential academically and industrially. We aspire to work with both partners to ensure research outcomes contribute directly to the livelihoods of our coastal communities, farmers, and fishermen rather than remaining as mere publications."

Future Developments

The three parties will continue to formalize specific activities and responsibilities through additional contracts while commencing joint research and human resource development programs. They will also move forward with applications for international research grants like SATREPS to ensure long-term strategic initiatives.

Conclusion

This trilateral collaboration not only aims to advance research and industrial opportunities in Gorontalo but also strengthens relationships between academia and business, supporting sustainable development and enhancing local economies.