Indonesia Secures Export Permit for Fishery Products to the European Union

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), has successfully included in the list of countries authorized to export fishery products to the European Union (EU). This good news was announced by the Head of the Agency for Quality Control and Supervision of Marine and Fishery Products, Ishartini, in a written press release on Monday, June 15, 2026.

According to her, this confirmation is a great relief for business operators in the country. Previously, they had been concerned because Indonesia was not listed in the old regulation, namely Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2598. However, Indonesia is now officially listed in the new regulation, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1189, which was adopted on June 4, 2026.

“This news is certainly a relief because business operators had previously been concerned that Indonesia was not yet included in the list of countries authorized to export aquaculture products to the EU market under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2598,” she said.

This success did not happen overnight, rather, it was the result of persistent communication and negotiations. The Ministry proactively held face-to-face meetings with the Directorate-General for Health & Food Safety (DG SANTE) in Brussels, Belgium. This initiative also received full support from the European Union Delegation in Jakarta, the Indonesian Embassy in Brussels, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Trade.

“Throughout the negotiation process, the KKP acted proactively and intensively to ensure the interests of aquaculture businesses were safeguarded. With Indonesia’s inclusion on the list, access for fishery products to the EU market remains open and sustainable,” she said.

The European Union is a highly attractive market for fishery products. This 27-member bloc has a high per capita fish consumption rate, averaging around 24 to 25 kg per person annually. Additionally, the average annual income of its residents reaches 37,900 euros (around 630 million rupiah).

Meanwhile, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, previously also affirmed the importance of expanding Indonesia’s export destinations. Currently, the European Union ranks fifth as a destination for Indonesia’s fishery products.

Key aquaculture products exported there include shrimp, milkfish, and various types of catfish. Additionally, tilapia, dubbed by some as “aquatic chicken”, has emerged as a new flagship product poised to compete in the European market.