Indonesia Prioritizes Aquaculture to Bolster National Food Security and Sustainable Growth

RRI.CO.ID, Banten – Indonesia is accelerating its transition toward sustainable aquaculture, positioning the sector as a primary pillar of the nation's food self-sufficiency strategy. This move aligns with a broader push to modernize the maritime economy while protecting natural marine ecosystems.

In an official statement from the press release on Saturday, 24 January 2026, Director General of Aquaculture, Tb Haeru Rahayu, stated that the government wants the nation’s aquaculture potential to be optimized.

According to him, the government is currently focusing on high-demand freshwater species such as Tilapia and Catfish. Regions like Pandeglang are being targeted for development due to their superior water quality and land availability.

To support this, the Ministry is actively addressing infrastructure challenges, specifically in feed supply systems, to ensure that local farmers can remain competitive and productive.

“The KKP will continue to promote the strengthening of aquaculture policies and enhance coordination with local governments so that this potential can be maximized. In the future, tilapia and catfish will become one of the main commodities in supporting the National Free Nutritious Meals Program,” Director General Rahayu stated in an official statement, quoted from the press release.

Supporting this statement, Indonesia’s Parliamentary Commission IV (overseeing agriculture and maritime affairs) had a field visit to the Freshwater Fish Hatchery (BBIAT) in Pandeglang, Banten, on Friday, 23 January 2026. While being there, the commission reaffirmed its commitment to boosting domestic fish production. The commission also highlighted that aquaculture is no longer just a secondary industry but a strategic asset for national nutrition.

Deputy Chairman of Commission IV Ahmad Yohan noted that fish farming is highly adaptable and provides the high-quality protein essential for the population. The commission is currently pushing for a synergy between the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the newly formed National Nutrition Agency to integrate locally farmed fish into the government’s flagship "Free Nutritious Meals" social program.

This legislative push echoes the long-term vision of Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono. He has consistently advocated for a "Blue Economy" approach, emphasizing that the future of Indonesian fisheries lies in aquaculture. The strategy mainly has two focuses, economic resilience and environmental conservation.

Recently, this commitment was promoted to the global stage through the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF).