Indonesia is positioning itself as a key player in global food security by developing its vast blue food resources, with a focus on sustainable aquaculture. Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono highlighted that the country’s blue food production—including capture fisheries, aquaculture, and seaweed—reaches at least 24 million tons annually. To maintain wild fish stocks while meeting rising global protein demand, the government is prioritizing aquaculture expansion. Of the 18 million hectares suitable for aquaculture, only 1.2 million hectares are currently utilized, leaving immense potential for growth.
A major initiative is underway in Karawang, West Java, where a 20,000-hectare saline tilapia farming revitalization program aims to produce 1.56 million tons per year. Modern farming technologies have boosted productivity from 0.6 tons to 130 tons per hectare per cycle, positioning Indonesia as a future leader in sustainable aquaculture. Trenggono noted that the Middle East represents a promising export market due to high tilapia consumption and a strong Indonesian diaspora. With global protein demand projected by the FAO to rise 70% by 2050, Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its blue food sector are crucial for promoting both national prosperity and global food resilience.
