The resource-rich province of Central Kalimantan is showcasing a diverse array of fish, and in 2023, there has been a notable increase in the export of these aquatic products to various countries. Compared to 2022, the export frequency of fish has seen a significant rise this year. As reported by Miharjo, the Head of the Fish Quarantine Station, Quality Control, and Security of Fishery Products (SKIPM) Palangka Raya, fish exports from Central Kalimantan in 2022 occurred 64 times. However, by November 2023, the export frequency has already reached 94 times, indicating a substantial increase. The exported fish products include botia fish, borneo sucker, live aquatic species, betutu, and toman. These ornamental fish have been successfully exported to 10 countries worldwide: Singapore, Malaysia, United Kingdom (UK), the United States (USA), Hong Kong, Thailand, California, Japan, Canada, and China. Among the exported fish, botia fish has the highest quantity, with 155,901 specimens exported in 2023, totaling IDR 467,703,000 in economic value, primarily to Singapore. Borneo sucker, live aquatic species, betutu, and toman are also significant contributors to exports, with the total commodity export value for these five fish products amounting to IDR 2,058,522,239. The cumulative count includes 178,024 live fish and 8,506 pieces.

In 2023, the PEB (Export Notification) was recorded 93 times, the highest compared to previous years. The five mentioned fish types significantly contributed to this increase. In addition to these fish products, other seafood, such as shrimp, holds export potential directly from Central Kalimantan. Presently, shrimp exports from Central Kalimantan still pass through Jakarta, Surabaya, and Semarang, with Central Kalimantan serving as a supplier to these regions. The challenge lies in ensuring that Central Kalimantan can directly export shrimp, and the PEB is registered from the province. Shrimp, a dominant seafood product supplied from Central Kalimantan to both domestic and international markets, possesses high export potential. Besides shrimp, other fishery products with potential for direct export from Central Kalimantan include crabs, botia fish, betutu fish, fresh milkfish, fresh featherback fish, crab meat, and fresh pomfret. While Central Kalimantan holds remarkable domestic potential, its export activity is currently limited. Miharjo suggests that if Central Kalimantan becomes the exporter with its companies and PEB, the fisheries department could lead PEB in Central Kalimantan. Regarding the potential expansion of export opportunities, Miharjo emphasizes the need for Central Kalimantan to have an international airport for exports. He challenges stakeholders to consider various sectors, considering that opening the export door might necessitate opening the import door. Miharjo concludes by motivating fish farmers to actively participate in exporting fishery products.

Source: https://kaltengonline.com/2023/12/14/ekspor-ikan-kalteng-ke-10-negara-melonjak/