RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is stepping up efforts to expand the global reach of its prized Super Red Arowana by leveraging an international competition to boost exports, increase economic value, and strengthen the competitiveness of the country’s ornamental fish industry.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries said it continues to support the development of the ornamental fish sector, particularly the Super Red Arowana, a flagship commodity from West Kalimantan that has strong appeal in international markets.

“One of our priorities is to support the development of the ornamental fish sector, especially the Super Red Arowana as a leading commodity from West Kalimantan with global competitiveness,” Director of Species Conservation and Genetics at the ministry, Sarmintohadi, said in a statement issued in Jakarta on Monday, June 1, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

As part of the effort, the ministry supported the Indonesian Arowana Breeders and Traders Association (APPS) International Arowana Contest 2026, held at the Pontianak Convention Centre in West Kalimantan.

Sarmintohadi said the event is expected to further stimulate the growth of Indonesia’s ornamental fish industry while reinforcing commitments to conservation and legal, sustainable trade practices.

According to him, the contest’s biggest achievement extends beyond the quality of the fish on display. It also succeeded in fostering international collaboration among government agencies, hobbyist communities, business players, and participants from various countries.

“That momentum is an important step in expanding the promotion of Indonesian Arowana in global markets,” he said.

The annual international event featured 192 of the finest Super Red Arowanas from countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Organized by APPS in collaboration with Mayin International, the contest served as a platform for the international arowana community, businesses, and government representatives to strengthen networks supporting legal and sustainable ornamental fish trade.

West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan welcomed the event, noting that the province is home to the original habitat of the red arowana, which is widely regarded as the highest-quality variety.

“The beautiful red arowana cannot be found anywhere else except in West Kalimantan, specifically Kapuas Hulu, its natural habitat. It may exist outside West Kalimantan, but it is not as beautiful as those found here,” Ria said.

Meanwhile, Director General of Marine Management at the ministry, Koswara, emphasized that the Super Red Arowana from West Kalimantan is among the most valuable ornamental fish species in the international market.

“Its bright red coloration, elegant body shape, and distinctive scale quality make this fish highly attractive to collectors and ornamental fish enthusiasts around the world,” Koswara said.

Koswara added that all arowana exports must comply with strict national and international regulations because the Super Red Arowana is a fully protected species listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Trade in the species is regulated under Ministerial Regulation No. 61/2018 and Ministerial Decree No. 1/2021. “Strict monitoring is carried out to ensure the species’ long-term survival,” he said.

Beyond serving as an international competition, the APPS International Arowana Contest 2026 was also designed as a strategic platform to introduce Indonesia’s arowana industry to global markets.

Strong participation from competitors, hobbyist communities, and various stakeholders helped draw significant attention from ornamental fish enthusiasts both in Indonesia and abroad, while supporting the continued growth of the country’s high-value ornamental fish sector.

Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has previously stressed the importance of sustainable management of marine and fisheries resources that can also improve community welfare, including through the strengthening of Indonesia’s ornamental fish industry.

The minister said the development of the arowana industry is expected to enhance Indonesia’s export competitiveness while supporting species conservation and the long-term preservation of natural habitats. ***