ASIATODAY.ID, YOGYAKARTA — Indonesia is emerging as one of the world’s most promising hubs for blue food production — a crucial solution for the future of global food security.
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono highlighted this potential during a public lecture on Maritime Governance Transformation at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Yogyakarta, on Friday November 7, 2025.
According to Minister Trenggono, Indonesia’s blue food output, derived from both capture fisheries and aquaculture — including seaweed — currently reaches 24 million tons annually. This immense resource positions Indonesia as a key contributor to meeting the world’s rising demand for sustainable protein.
“Blue food represents the future of global nutrition, and Indonesia has all the resources to lead the sustainable transformation of marine-based food systems,” Trenggono emphasized.
Aquaculture: The Future of Indonesia’s Blue Food Revolution
Minister Trenggono underscored that the future of Indonesia’s fisheries lies in aquaculture. Currently, Indonesia’s aquaculture output averages 5.6 million tons per year, a fraction of its vast potential.
The country has an estimated 18 million hectares of land suitable for aquaculture across marine, coastal, and freshwater zones — yet only 1.2 million hectares (6.8%) have been utilized.
“Aquaculture is the future, and we have already developed modern farming models for key commodities, such as saline tilapia in Karawang,” he said.
The successful pilot in Karawang is now being scaled up through a 20,000-hectare aquaculture revitalization program in West Java, focusing on saline tilapia farming. The initiative integrates environmental protection measures, including mangrove ecosystem restoration and wastewater treatment facilities (WWTF) in every pond cluster.
Boosting Productivity and Sustainability
The West Java revitalization project is projected to produce 1.56 million tons of saline tilapia per year, significantly strengthening Indonesia’s aquaculture output.
By implementing Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) and adopting advanced farming technology, productivity is expected to soar to 130 tons per hectare per cycle, compared to the previous 0.6 tons per hectare per year.
“Effective aquaculture management must include proper waste treatment. That’s why we are also advancing the ‘Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih’ (Red-and-White Fishing Village) program to improve waste management and local fishermen’s welfare,” added Trenggono.
Global Market Demand for Blue Food Continues to Rise
Minister Trenggono expressed strong confidence in the future of the global market for Indonesian seafood products, particularly tilapia, which remains popular in Middle Eastern countries. The region represents a lucrative market due to its growing population and the significant number of Indonesian workers, students, and pilgrims living there.
According to FAO, the world’s population is projected to grow by more than 30% by 2050, driving an estimated 70% surge in global protein demand. The global blue food market value is expected to reach USD 419.09 billion by 2030.
With abundant marine resources, modern aquaculture innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainability, Indonesia is well-positioned to become a global leader in blue food production — playing a pivotal role in ensuring the world’s food security for decades to come. (AT Network)
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