Downstream policies in the marine and fisheries sector are believed to provide added value to the fishery products produced. Business actors hope that the spirit of downstream fisheries must be accompanied by solving problems on the upstream side.
In a discussion titled "Downstream: The Key to Optimizing the Potential of National Fisheries?" in Jakarta, Monday 20 February 2023 it was revealed that downstreaming is a policy that encourages processing of raw materials domestically, will increase fishery products which will later be exported in the form of derivative products or finished goods.
Ishartini, Plt. The Director General of Strengthening Competitiveness of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) said downstreaming in the marine and fisheries sector was the key for Indonesia to become a developed country. This is because, in addition to increasing the added value of fishery products, it will also strengthen the structure of the fishing industry from upstream to downstream, increase domestic business opportunities and create jobs.
The potential for added value through downstream fishery products, he continued, can be seen from the contribution of processed products of 55% or the equivalent of US$7.7 billion in cob, tuna and skipjack commodity exports in 2021.
To accelerate this policy, the government seeks to provide market information and market access, increase the supply of quality raw materials, so as to revive the fish processing industry to produce products with added value.
