ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia has opened a new export corridor for its fisheries industry after the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) facilitated the first direct shipment of seafood from Maluku Province to Thailand, marking another step in the country’s drive to diversify export markets across Asia.
The inaugural shipment comprised 11 metric tons of frozen tuna loin valued at more than IDR1 billion (approximately US$61,000), departing from Yos Sudarso Port in Ambon on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Beyond its commercial value, the shipment underscores Indonesia’s broader strategy to strengthen seafood exports from its eastern provinces while creating greater economic opportunities for coastal communities and reducing dependence on traditional export destinations.
“This is a concrete step taken together with the regional government to support economic growth by expanding Indonesia’s export destinations,” said Ishartini, Acting Head of KKP’s Fisheries Product Quality Control and Inspection Agency.
According to Ishartini, the tuna shipment was accompanied by quality certification issued by KKP that complies with internationally recognized Codex Alimentarius food safety standards, ensuring the products meet global requirements for quality, safety, and traceability.
She said internationally recognized quality assurance has become one of the most important factors determining whether fisheries products can successfully enter overseas markets.
Maluku Provincial Industry and Trade Office Head Ahmad Jais Ely welcomed the inaugural export, expressing hope that it would pave the way for higher seafood exports from the province while improving incomes for local fishermen and seafood processors.
He also praised KKP for supporting certification for products processed by PT Jayawi Ambon Internasional, enabling Maluku’s tuna to gain access to the Thai market. The shipment was accompanied by the mandatory Fisheries Product Quality and Safety Certificate (SMKHP), a key document required for market entry in Thailand.
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has consistently emphasized that strengthening quality assurance throughout the fisheries supply chain is central to Indonesia’s export strategy. By ensuring internationally recognized standards from harvesting and processing to export, Jakarta aims to position Indonesian seafood as a trusted supplier of premium products while expanding its footprint in global seafood markets.
The breakthrough also reflects Indonesia’s growing ambition to move beyond increasing export volumes by focusing on higher quality standards, wider market diversification, and stronger value creation for one of the world’s largest archipelagic fisheries industries. (AT Network)
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