Bulukumba’s Fishermen Enter Global Market with First Export to Saudi Arabia

KBRN, Jakarta: The Red and White Fishing Village (KNMP) in Bentenge, Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, has taken a significant step into international trade with its inaugural export of nearly one ton of fresh fish to Saudi Arabia.

The milestone marks not only a breakthrough for local fishermen but also the beginning of broader market expansion for Indonesia’s coastal economy.

The shipment was released on Friday, January 9, 2026, at KNMP Bentenge, with the fish transported in refrigerated trucks to Makassar before being flown to Jeddah the same day.

Chair of the KNMP Development Coordination Team, Trian Yunanda, said the program is designed to boost community productivity while widening access to global markets. “From what was once local, we are now reaching international markets,” he noted in a press statement from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) on Saturday, January 10, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that infrastructure development at KNMP Bulukumba is nearing completion, with the ministry providing key facilities such as refrigerated trucks, boats, engines, and fishing gear, all of which will be managed by cooperatives.

KNMP Bentenge is also equipped with boat moorings, fish landing shelters, a fishermen’s fuel station (SPBUN), boat workshops, supply kiosks, a fishermen’s hall, and cold-chain facilities including portable ice plants, cool boxes, refrigerated trucks, and frozen storage warehouses.

Head of Bulukumba's Marine and Fisheries Agency, Muh Thaiyeb Maningkasi, said the presence of KNMP will strengthen the region’s fisheries sector. “Once fully operational, we will centralize fishing activities there,” he stated.

Thaiyeb expressed optimism that Bulukumba’s fish exports will continue to grow. Following the initial shipment of tiger grouper and mackerel, exporters have already signaled additional demand of up to 2.5 tons per day.

He added that the availability of cold storage and refrigerated transport at KNMP will enable fishermen to meet rising demand. Bulukumba also produces red snapper, scad, and various high-value reef fish, further enhancing its export potential. ***