RRI.CO.ID, Cibinong - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is positioning the snakehead fish (Channa striata), locally known as ikan gabus, as a superfood capable of bolstering both national public health and the domestic economy.

During a specialized webinar titled Exploring the Advantages of Snakehead Fish as a Local Superfood on Wednesday, April 16, 2026, researchers emphasized that the freshwater species is no longer just a traditional commodity but a cornerstone for functional food innovation.

A researcher at BRIN’s Research Center for Applied Microbiology, Ekowati Chasanah, highlighted the fish's superior nutritional profile, noting its high-quality, easily digestible protein and bioactive compounds. The species is particularly relevant for addressing nutritional gaps in children and aiding individuals in medical recovery.

“The combination of albumin and other nutrients in snakehead fish has the potential to support wound healing, maintain body fluid balance, and help improve general health conditions,” Ekowati explained during the session, as quoted on BRIN's official website.

The spotlight remains on albumin, a plasma protein essential for fluid balance and hormone transport. The fish’s high albumin content, paired with amino acids such as glycine, proline, and alanine, makes it an effective natural aid for post-operative recovery.

Beyond wound healing, recent studies suggest that bioactive peptides and fatty acids within the fish may offer antihypertensive benefits, expanding its utility into the health product sector.

However, BRIN officials warned that the efficacy of these nutrients depends heavily on post-harvest handling. Ekowati stressed the necessity of research-based standardization and precise processing methods, such as indirect heating, to ensure that nutritional stability is maintained in downstream products.

The shift toward a downstream industry, ranging from albumin extracts to ready-to-consume functional foods, is viewed as a vital economic move. By increasing the value-added potential of local resources, Indonesia aims to reduce its reliance on food imports while strengthening domestic industrial competitiveness.

“From an economic perspective, the downstreaming of snakehead fish has the potential to strengthen the local food industry and support national food independence,” Ekowati added.

Achieving this vision will require sustained cross-sector collaboration. BRIN is calling for a synergy between researchers, government bodies, and private industries to standardize quality and test the safety of new products.

"Cross-sector collaboration is needed, both between researchers, industry, and the government, to encourage the downstreaming of snakehead fish-based products so they can be widely utilized by the community," she concluded. ***