The Director General for the Strengthening of the Competitiveness of Marine and Fisheries Products at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Budi Sulistiyo, highlights the lucrative potential for the development of ornamental fish export businesses in Indonesia. Budi emphasizes the economic value generated from the hobby of ornamental fishkeeping, contributing not only to the domestic market but also to the export sector. Collaborations between industries and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM) are noted as integral in elevating the economic value of ornamental fish. The data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), processed by the Directorate General, indicates a consistent increase in ornamental fish exports over the past three years. In 2020, Indonesia's ornamental fish export reached USD 30.76 million, rose to USD 34.55 million in 2021, and further increased to USD 36.43 million in 2022. This surge in ornamental fish exports has propelled Indonesia to the second position globally, surpassing its previous rank of fifth. The predominant exported ornamental fish varieties include Arowana, ornamental fish seeds, Betta fish, Koi fish, and Oscar fish. Major export destinations encompass Japan, Hong Kong, the United States, Vietnam, and China.
Indonesia's opportunities in exporting ornamental fish to Saudi Arabia have significantly expanded. Indonesia is currently the world's third-largest exporter of ornamental fish to Saudi Arabia. Trade Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh, Gunawan, acknowledges the commitment of Saudi Arabian businesses to enhance the importation of ornamental fish from Indonesia, providing substantial opportunities for Indonesian businesses in the ornamental fish sector. In a recent meeting between the Indonesian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the CEO of Pet Oasis Company (POC), both sides expressed commitment to boost the importation of ornamental fish and related accessories. This commitment opens new avenues for Indonesian businesses, extending beyond ornamental fish to include the importation of veterinary expertise to Saudi Arabia. Gunawan emphasizes the enormous potential for exporting freshwater ornamental fish from Indonesia, given the country's tropical climate and abundant water resources. The Indonesian government, ministries/agencies, local governments, and associations are urged to enhance the competence of ornamental fish farmers, especially those engaged in micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (UMKM). A comprehensive approach involving integrated schemes with aggregators is proposed to drive export growth, benefitting UMKM stakeholders and contributing to the overall economic development of the ornamental fish industry.
Source: https://voi.id/ekonomi/352998/peluang-bisnis-ekspor-ikan-hias
