In a bid to accelerate sustainable aquaculture practices and bolster the production of key export commodities, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in Indonesia has rolled out area-based modeling initiatives targeting five primary commodities: shrimp, seaweed, tilapia, crab, and lobster.

Tb Haeru Rahayu, the Director General of Aquaculture, emphasized the importance of prioritizing environmental sustainability and the absorption of local workers in these developmental endeavors. According to Rahayu, these principles serve as the guiding ethos behind the ministry’s initiatives.

Shrimp: A Prime Focus

With a keen focus on shrimp cultivation, the ministry aims to revitalize shrimp ponds across Indonesia. Rahayu projects an ambitious target, envisioning an increase in Indonesian shrimp exports to a staggering USD 2.1 billion by 2024.

In addition to shrimp, seaweed cultivation has also taken center stage in the ministry’s developmental agenda. The modeling for seaweed cultivation has been initiated in the Wakatobi district of Southeast Sulawesi, with plans for expansion into Southeast Maluku district, Maluku, and Rote Ndao district, East Nusa Tenggara. The ministry sets its sights on boosting seaweed exports to USD 658 million by 2024.

Tilapia and Crab: Driving Export Growth

The aquaculture modeling program extends to other commodities as well. Saline tilapia cultivation, particularly in the dormant shrimp ponds along the north coast of Java, is poised for rejuvenation. This initiative aims to transition cultivation from lake-based to land-based, with a target of increasing Indonesian tilapia exports to USD 77 million by 2024. Similarly, the ministry is preparing a modeling program for crab cultivation, with aspirations of elevating crab exports to USD 476 million this year.

Recognizing the lucrative potential of lobster exports, the ministry is gearing up to fortify lobster cultivation through strategic collaborations and foreign investments. By leveraging expertise from countries with established lobster cultivation practices and enticing investments into Indonesia, the ministry aims to catapult the nation’s lobster exports to USD 25 million this year.

Aquaculture: A Prime Investment Destination

Raharyu underscored the significant traction aquaculture has gained in attracting investments within the marine and fisheries sector. With aquaculture emerging as the second most invested sub-sector after fisheries processing, comprising 27 percent of total investments as per third-quarter data from 2023, the ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering sustainable growth and economic prosperity in Indonesia’s aquaculture industry.