The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is exploring quality assurance collaboration with Singapore's government. The partnership aims to enhance testing capacities, post-market surveillance, risk profiling, and exchange information on fish processing units and quality certification with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). According to Ishartini, Head of the Marine and Fisheries Quality Control and Supervision Agency (BPPMHKP), Singapore acknowledges that Indonesia's fisheries quality assurance system (SJMKHP) aligns with standards in advanced economies. This recognition stems from Indonesia's compliance with European Union (EU) requirements and acknowledgment through EU Commission Decision No. 324/94. Ishartini emphasized that the collaboration could foster reciprocal agreements, especially as Singapore remains a key export market for Indonesian fisheries.
Despite the potential, no formal partnership has been established to strengthen bilateral fisheries trade relations. SFA has expressed interest in exploring market access cooperation, particularly for import re-export patterns and business diversification in the fisheries sector to boost employment. To follow up, both BPPMHKP and SFA agreed to conduct internal consolidation to outline the scope of the partnership. Initial discussions have been held, with further meetings planned. Previously, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono met Singapore's Ambassador to Indonesia, Kwok Fook Seng, on November 22, 2024, at KKP headquarters. Minister Trenggono affirmed Indonesia's commitment to implementing five blue economy programs, with Singapore pledging full collaboration in various sectors. The KKP has also developed sustainable aquaculture models for key export commodities, including shrimp, seaweed, tilapia, and lobster, alongside measured fishing initiatives in Eastern Indonesian waters.
