February 15, 2024

Indonesia implements area-based modelling to boost sustainable aquaculture

Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has introduced area-based modelling for five key commodities in a bid to accelerate the growth of sustainable aquaculture and enhance the production of Indonesia's primary export goods, Tempo reported.

According to Tb Haeru Rahayu, Indonesia's Director General of Aquaculture, the development focuses on environmental sustainability principles and local employment opportunities. The five main commodities targeted include shrimp, seaweed, tilapia, crab, and lobster.

Rahayu highlighted the ministry's goal to increase Indonesian shrimp exports to US$2.1 billion by 2024 through the modelling development program and the revitalisation of shrimp ponds.

In addition to shrimp, modelling for seaweed cultivation has been initiated in the Wakatobi district, Southeast Sulawesi. The ministry plans to extend this programme to Southeast Maluku district, Maluku, and Rote Ndao district, East Nusa Tenggara, with the aim of boosting seaweed exports to US$658 million by 2024.

Further efforts include a modelling programme for saline tilapia cultivation, focusing on revitalising idle shrimp ponds along the north coast of Java. This initiative aims to shift cultivation from lake-based to land-based methods and increase Indonesian tilapia exports to US$77 million by 2024.

Additionally, the ministry is gearing up for a crab cultivation modelling programme, targeting a surge in crab exports to US$476 million this year. Similarly, a lobster cultivation modelling programme is in the works to bolster collaboration with countries experienced in lobster cultivation and attract investment into Indonesia, with the goal of increasing lobster exports to US$25 million this year.

Rahayu emphasised the significant role of aquaculture in attracting investment within the marine and fisheries sector, noting that the sub-sector ranks second in investment proportion after fisheries processing, accounting for 27% based on data from the third quarter of 2023.

-      Tempo