ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia’s efforts to safeguard the reputation and global competitiveness of its fisheries exports have once again delivered concrete results.
A shipment of 20 containers of frozen shrimp from Surabaya, which had been temporarily held at a US port, was ultimately released by American authorities after the required Fishery Product Quality and Safety Certificate (SMKHP) was verified by Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).
The KKP emphasized that the SMKHP is a critical document ensuring the acceptance of Indonesian fishery exports in international markets. The certificate is officially recognized by importing countries as an official declaration that confirms compliance with global sanitation, hygiene, and food safety standards.
“The SMKHP serves as formal proof that Indonesian fishery products are produced through a supply chain that meets international standards, fulfilling the appropriate level of protection (ALOP) required by importing countries and allowing seamless market access,” said Ishartini, Head of the Agency for Quality Control and Supervision of Marine and Fishery Products in Jakarta quotes on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The latest case involved a shipment of 20 containers of frozen shrimp exported by PT Bumi Menara Internusa (BMI), which was temporarily detained at the Port of Chicago, United States. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested additional documentation before granting clearance.
“The FDA notified us through our customs broker that some documents were incomplete. After we submitted the SMKHP issued by the Surabaya I Quality Control Unit, all containers were released by the FDA on the very same day,” said Clorinda, Export and Import Manager of PT BMI, speaking from Surabaya.
The incident was confirmed by Laode, Head of the Surabaya I Quality Control Unit, who noted that the certification helped secure a substantial export shipment.
According to him, the total volume of frozen shrimp successfully cleared reached 263,000 tons, with an estimated economic value of IDR 63.4 billion (approximately USD 4 million).
“The SMKHP was the decisive factor that allowed PT BMI’s products to enter the US market without further obstacles,” Laode explained.
Ishartini added that the process of obtaining the SMKHP has now become fully digital and more accessible through the Siap Mutu application, which is integrated with the Indonesia National Single Window (INSW) system. The KKP currently operates 46 Quality Control Technical Units across Indonesia to support exporters nationwide.
“With an online system and an extensive national network, exporters no longer need to worry. Importing countries can also directly verify certification data with the KKP Quality Agency,” she concluded. (ATN)
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