ASIATODAY.ID, KENDARI – Southeast Sulawesi Province has once again marked a significant achievement in its marine and fisheries sector by exporting 98 tons of certified and sustainable seafood products to the United States and Thailand. The shipment departed directly from Bungkutoko Container Terminal in Kendari City on Wednesday, June 24, 2025.
This milestone was part of the Launching Ceremony of Certified and Sustainable Marine and Fishery Exports, officially flagged off by the Vice Governor of Southeast Sulawesi alongside regional leaders.
The exported commodities include: 42 tons of frozen octopus, 10 tons of other frozen seafood products, and 45 tons of crab meat.
The total export value is estimated at IDR 27.1 trillion (approximately USD 1.6 billion), with IDR 6.1 trillion from frozen seafood and IDR 21 trillion from crab meat. All products were packed in five containers and shipped directly from Kendari to international markets.
Penetrating the US Market: A Quality Benchmark
The Head of the Agency for Fishery Product Quality Control and Safety (BPPMHKP), Ishartini, praised this achievement, emphasizing that entering the US market is a strong indicator of product excellence.
“If products from Southeast Sulawesi can enter the US market, it shows that their quality standards are exceptionally high,” she stated.
Acting Head of Southeast Sulawesi’s Marine and Fisheries Office, Sri Resqina, highlighted that the export marks a strategic move to enhance the region’s economic growth based on its marine potential.
“This is the beginning of building a sustainable fisheries sector and positioning Southeast Sulawesi as a key exporter from Eastern Indonesia,” she said.
The initiative also paves the way for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in fisheries to scale up and integrate into global supply chains.
At the same event, the Adi Jaya Lestari Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KSU) carried out its first seafood export to Italy, with Thailand serving as a transit country due to the product’s current Grade B certification status.
To directly access the European market—especially Italy—products must achieve Grade A certification, which requires: No physical defects (e.g., cracks, spots), Free from harmful substances (pesticides, heavy metals), International certifications like the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety and Halal certification, High competitiveness and strong appeal in international markets.
Kendari: Gateway for Eastern Indonesia’s Seafood Exports
Direct exports from Bungkutoko Port reaffirm Kendari City as a vital gateway for marine product exports from Eastern Indonesia. This move not only expands market access but also strengthens the regional logistics ecosystem and creates new economic opportunities.
The certification and quality assurance process is closely supervised by BPPMHKP Kendari, ensuring full compliance with international Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)—from raw material intake, processing, and packaging to labeling and distribution.
The government hopes this initiative will serve as a launchpad for sustainable export capacity, allowing Southeast Sulawesi to compete in the global seafood industry. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel