July 24, 2026
 

Indonesia to roll out aquaculture programme across 40,000 villages from 2026 in push for protein self-sufficiency

The Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry is coordinating with three other government ministries to implement the programme, which is separate from an existing initiative focused on capture fisheries.

Indonesia's government plans to launch a large-scale aquaculture development programme spanning 40,000 villages nationwide from 2026, targeting greater protein self-sufficiency, higher rural incomes and expanded seafood exports.

Aquaculture Director General Haeru Rahayu said the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry is coordinating with the Home Affairs Ministry, the Villages Ministry and regional governments to implement the programme. He noted that the aquaculture village initiative is distinct from the existing Red and White Fishing Villages programme, which focuses on the capture fisheries sector.

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan highlighted the programme following a meeting with Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono in Jakarta on 21 July. Hasan said the two programmes together would help expand Indonesia's self-sufficiency beyond carbohydrate-based commodities, in line with directives from President Prabowo Subianto. The government aims to position Indonesia as a global powerhouse in fish and shrimp production, meeting domestic demand while expanding overseas sales.

The programme will cover various fish species, with the fisheries ministry supplying fingerlings to participating villages.