The export of lobster larvae (BBL) has been reopened for aquaculture activities abroad. This move is regulated by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) under Regulation No. 7 of 2024 on the Management of Lobster (Panulirus spp.), Crab (Scylla spp.), and Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus spp.), which took effect on March 21, 2024. Doni Ismanto, Special Staff for Media Relations and Public Communication at the KKP, explained that only investors who have established a limited liability company (PT) and have conducted aquaculture in Indonesia can carry out aquaculture abroad. “There are already several joint venture companies involved in managing BBL,” he stated on May 12. According to Article 2, paragraph (2) of Regulation No. 7 of 2024, the quota for BBL capture is determined by the Minister, considering the available fishery resources and the allowable catch based on recommendations from the national fishery resources assessment commission.
Based on Ministerial Decree No. 28 of 2024, the estimated potential and allowable catch quotas for BBL from 11 Fishery Management Areas of the Republic of Indonesia (WPPNRI). The estimated potential BBL is 465,793,021 larvae, with an allowable and capture quota of 419,213,719 larvae. This includes types such as pearl and sand lobsters. Doni noted that the minimum benchmark price (HPT) for BBL at the fisherman level, to be purchased by the Public Service Agency (BLU) for Aquaculture, is IDR 8,500 per larva. This is stipulated in Ministerial Decree No. 24 of 2024 regarding HPT for BBL at the fisherman level. “This benchmark price will be evaluated periodically, at least every six months or as needed,” he added. Furthermore, Doni explained the purchasing process of BBL by BLU: first, BLU will collaborate with fishermen groups (KUB) that have capture quotas. Second, investors can apply for BBL quotas for domestic and international aquaculture to the Directorate General of Aquaculture. If approved, investors purchase BBL from BLU according to the given quota. By reopening BBL exports under these regulations, Indonesia aims to manage its lobster resources sustainably while boosting economic activities through controlled aquaculture investments.
