RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is accelerating the development of productive aquaculture ponds to strengthen food security and boost fisheries exports. Several new projects are being prepared across regions with a focus on job creation and increasing economic value for local communities.

President Prabowo Subianto announced the expansion of aquaculture zones as part of a production‑based economic development strategy.

“We are currently developing 2,000 hectares in Waingapu, 65 hectares here, 2,000 hectares in Waingapu, and 200 hectares in Gorontalo, and we are also developing 14 hectares in West Java’s Pantura region,” the President said after inspecting the operations of the Kebumen Area‑Based Shrimp Farming Project (BUBK) in Kebumen Regency, Central Java, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

President Prabowo explained that the project in Pantura, West Java, differs from the shrimp farm in Kebumen because it will focus on fish farming. This diversification aims to strengthen the national protein supply while opening up export market opportunities.

He stressed that productive projects must be the top priority in national development policy. “I have instructed the cabinet that the projects we can support are productive projects,” he said.

The success of the Kebumen BUBK is seen as a concrete example of the modernization of Indonesia’s fisheries sector. The area can produce 40 tons of shrimp per hectare, with a selling price of around IDR 70 million per ton (approximately USD 3,953.68).

President Prabowo also emphasized that the budget should focus on activities that generate products rather than on the construction of grand offices with no direct economic impact on communities. “So for now, let’s put off building so many offices,” he stated firmly.

The Kebumen BUBK, constructed in 2022–2023, currently operates 65 hectares of land out of a total 100 hectares. By its eighth operational cycle, the area has recorded production of more than 1.15 million kilograms, with an economic value reaching IDR 83.3 billion, and has employed hundreds of local workers. ***