Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar) has solidified its position as the primary food source for East Kalimantan (Kaltim), with the regional fisheries sector achieving remarkable growth. Data from the Kukar Fisheries Agency (DKP) indicates that total fishery production in 2024 reached 323,178 tons, contributing nearly 50% of the entire Kaltim fish supply.
The high output is largely driven by the aquaculture sub-sector, which recorded 206,327 tons, significantly outpacing the 116,850 tons from capture fisheries. Cultivated commodities such as tilapia, catfish, pangasius, and milkfish are the mainstays supporting the region's supply chain.
Moving forward, the Kukar DKP is shifting its focus toward strengthening infrastructure and product downstreaming (hilirisasi). Key initiatives include the renovation of Fish Auction Centers (TPI), improving village fishery facilities, and proposing several villages for the strategic "Red and White Fisherman Village"
program, which will introduce critical facilities like cold storage and processing units.
This strategic pivot aims to boost the added value of local products. As the Head of DKP Kukar, Muslik, stated, the goal is to process fish for longer storage and wider market penetration, ensuring sustained economic benefits for local fishermen and entrepreneurs.
