Several companies and investors in Lamongan have identified swimming crab as the main raw material for export activities. To promote the utilisation of swimming crab in culinary endeavours, the 'Gandrung Rajungan' festival was held at the GOR Kemantren in the Paciran District of Lamongan. Swimming crab has caught the attention of investors as a potential export commodity. Six companies along the northern coast are currently utilising swimming crab as a raw material for exports to various countries. This collaboration with investors is regarded as a method to harness Lamongan's marine resources, especially since Lamongan ranks as the second-largest producer of captured fish in East Java. Such endeavours are expected to elevate the value-added for fishermen and streamline the distribution process.
According to data from the Lamongan Regency Fisheries and Marine Office, Lamongan possesses a potential swimming crab catch of 1,700 tons per year, with the current price reaching IDR 100,000/kg. As a natural catch, around 90% of Lamongan's swimming crab is exported as meat to countries including the United States, Europe, France, and others. Furthermore, efforts to acquaint people with the potential of Lamongan's swimming crab are consistently pursued through culinary literacy initiatives, such as the annual 'Gandrung Rajungan' festival. The event is one of the endeavours to showcase Lamongan's abundant marine potential. Open to the public, the 'Gandrung Rajungan' festival provided 454 swimming crabs for free, distributed through previously allocated coupons by the organisers. To enhance the festivities, a swimming crab carnival parade was held by the Regional Coordinator of the Education Department in the Paciran area, along with a creative cooking contest featuring swimming crab chilli sauce and a competition for the largest swimming crab.
