Tuna from Lebak Reaches Export Markets in Japan and Europe
- 07 Jul 2026 16:51 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Tuna catches from Lebak's southern coast have increased incomes and welfare for 4,462 active fishers.
- Lebak tuna is exported to Japan and several European countries through Jakarta-based export companies.
RRI.CO.ID, Lebak - Revenue from tuna catches off the southern coast of Lebak Regency, Banten Province, has successfully boosted incomes and improved welfare for at least 4,462 active fishers in the area. Tuna catches have broken into export markets in Japan and several European countries.
“The quality and standard of tuna from Lebak’s coast are among the best in Indonesia, and their populations are abundant in the Indian Ocean,” said Head of Capture Fisheries Management at the Lebak Regency Fisheries Agency, Rizal Ardiansyah, in Lebak on Tuesday, 7 July 2026.
For years, large pelagic tuna have been the economic mainstay for communities along Lebak’s southern coast, fetching prices of IDR 45,000 (USD 2.50) to IDR 60,000 (USD 3.35) per kilogram.
Tuna for export reaches Japan and several European countries through companies based in Jakarta. Export-grade tuna typically weigh around 20 kilograms each.
Currently, these large tuna species inhabit deep waters of the Indian Ocean, which contributes to their high quality. “We have significant potential for pelagic fish catches in the Indian Ocean waters,” he said, as quoted by Antara.
According to him, fish market reports (TPI) show that monthly cash flow from fishers’ catches reaches about IDR 5 billion (USD 277,762.35), with tuna accounting for the largest share. At present, there are 4,462 active fishers on Lebak’s southern coast, supported by 216 vessels of 11–20 GT across 11 fish auction places, producing roughly 7,000 tonnes annually.
Tuna species form schools and migrate. As a result, these large fish can contain up to 30 percent oil in their body tissues and abdominal cavities, and they also have high protein content.
He added that to improve the quality and condition of tuna catches, the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry has distributed cold storage cabinets for fishers’ storage needs.
“The distribution of cold storage units is intended to keep fishers’ catches in good condition and maintain high market value,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Bina Muara Sejahtera Fishing Cooperative, Wading, said that tuna destined for export are sold through companies in Jakarta.
When tuna season peaks and catches reach about 60 tonnes per month, fishers’ incomes increase significantly. “We have hundreds of members, most of whom are fishers, and their livelihoods have improved thanks to tuna catches,” he said. ***
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