Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) has been designated by the government as a center for lobster cultivation, supported by its diverse natural landscape featuring bays and abundant lobster seed dispersal (BBL). As discussions on BBL exports resurface for economic benefits, lobster cultivation in NTB continues to show promising trends. Muslim, the Head of the NTB Provincial Maritime and Fisheries Office, disclosed that there are at least 10 lobster cultivation points in NTB. These locations include Blongas (West Lombok), Silong Blanak (Central Lombok), Teluk Gerupuk and Teluk Bumbang (Central Lombok), Teluk Awam and Teluk Ekas (Central and East Lombok), Teluk Jukung and Teluk Jor (East Lombok), and Teluk Seriwe (East Lombok). In Sumbawa Island, cultivation is carried out in Pulau Bungin, Teluk Saleh, Teluk Cempi (Dompu), and Waworada (Bima). Muslim stated that lobster cultivation processes are underway in these areas, with some having obtained water location permits since 2021, while others are still in the process.

For Lombok Tengah and Timur Regencies, there are 9,935 floating net cages (KJA). The available cultivation area in Teluk Ekas and Teluk Jukung, each covering 731.84 Ha and 642.82 Ha, has been minimally exploited, at less than 10 percent. Muslim acknowledged that developing lobster cultivation is a long-term process, requiring significant commitment from both the central and local governments and cultivators. He highlighted the need for technical improvements among lobster cultivators and optimal nutrition for lobster development. Despite the challenges, Muslim sees the lobster cultivation conditions in NTB as a potential role model and an initial step toward becoming a national and global lobster cultivation hub. He also addressed the concerns among local cultivators regarding the potential difficulty in obtaining high-quality seed if BBL exports are opened. He outlined the potential of lobster cultivation development through a people and industry cluster approach, emphasizing stages from seed to consumption and the importance of government commitment. Yonvitner stressed the significance of research, updated statistical databases, and government support, akin to the substantial support received by Vietnam in lobster cultivation. He also emphasized the consideration of upstream-downstream schemes, addressing issues from feed industries to credit problems for cultivators. In conclusion, he highlighted that with government commitment and comprehensive strategies, lobster cultivation could create numerous job opportunities, similar to the successful model in Vietnam.

Source: https://rmol.id/amp/2023/12/10/600768/penuh-optimisme-ntb-siap-menjadi-pusat-budidaya-lobster