The US Ambassador to Indonesia, Sung Y. Kim, emphasized that the United States is one of the world's top destinations for seafood exports. Supported by data from the International Trade Centre in 2020, the value of US seafood imports accounted for approximately 15.34% of the total global seafood import value, making it the highest among all countries. The potential fishery resources in the 11 management regions in Indonesia exceed 12 million. This is a significant figure. The export commodities of Indonesian fisheries include blue swimmer crabs, tuna, shrimp, lobster, grouper, and others, according to Kim's statement on Wednesday (July 12, 2023). He added that these resources should be optimally utilized by individuals who truly understand the sector. It is no wonder that the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) becomes a great opportunity for learning.
In June 2023, Aruna Utari Octavianty, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Aruna, participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) managed by the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Utari was one of the six selected participants from various regions and professions in Indonesia. The other five participants consisted of representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), fisheries scholar associations, the private sector, and factories. The program focused on Sustainable Fisheries Management as a pivotal factor for implementing sustainable fisheries practices in the US. Indonesia also demonstrated its interest in the program to strengthen networks and collaborations in sustainable fisheries management with academics, researchers, and non-governmental organizations in the United States. Utari welcomed her participation in the program, especially considering that America is one of the largest markets for exporting local Indonesian fishermen's catches. She viewed it as a significant opportunity for personal and professional growth and expressed hopes for the broader implementation of sustainable fisheries concepts and practices in Indonesia's fishing industry.
