ASIATODAY.ID, PONTIANAK – The iconic Super Red Arowana from West Kalimantan has once again made waves on the international stage.
This world-renowned ornamental fish has now reached 14 global markets, bolstering Indonesia’s foreign exchange earnings while showcasing the nation’s commitment to sustainable management of high-value aquatic resources.
Director General for Marine Management, Koswara, stated that the Super Red Arowana has long been a national pride and symbol of Indonesia’s tropical aquatic beauty.
“Global demand continues to rise, especially from Asian countries, and we are now expanding into new markets such as Sri Lanka and Suriname. This reflects international recognition of Indonesia’s superior aquaculture quality,” Koswara said in an official statement from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), quoted Monday, October 6, 2025.
According to MMAF data, in 2024, exports of Scleropages formosus from West Kalimantan reached 161,066 fish, with the main destinations being China (89%), Vietnam (8%), and Taiwan (3%). From January to September 29, 2025, there were 573 export documents recorded with a total of 105,357 fish shipped to 14 countries, including emerging markets in South Asia and Latin America.
Koswara emphasized that all Super Red Arowana exports strictly comply with national and international regulations. As a fully protected species listed in Appendix I of CITES, its trade is governed by Ministerial Regulation No. 61/2018 and Ministerial Decree No. 1/2021.
“Every export activity is closely monitored to ensure the species’ conservation and compliance with international trade standards,” he explained.
Beyond its contribution to foreign exchange, this export success strengthens Indonesia’s position as a global hub for sustainable ornamental fish farming.
“We are committed to maintaining harmony between conservation and economic growth, ensuring that the Super Red Arowana remains both a thriving species and a proud ambassador of Indonesia on the global stage,” Koswara concluded.
The latest export batch of Super Red Arowana for September 2025 was officially released from Dwikora Port, Pontianak, coinciding with a specific working visit by Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) to West Kalimantan. The event was also part of the Marine and Fisheries Service Month, commemorating the 26th Anniversary of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF).
As part of the visit, the DPR delegation—led by Siti Hediati Hariyadi (Titik Soeharto)—also inspected the Arowana breeding facilities at PT Wajok Inti Lestari in Kubu Raya Regency.
Earlier, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono underscored the importance of sustainable ocean and fisheries management that promotes both environmental stewardship and community welfare.
“The success of ornamental fish exports such as the Super Red Arowana proves that sustainability and economic progress can go hand in hand,” he affirmed. (AT Network)
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