Indonesia Explores Zero-Waste Approach to Fish Processing

RRI.CO.Id, Jakarta - Indonesia is exploring a zero-waste approach to fish processing by encouraging producers to turn fish-processing by-products into new food and industrial materials. The initiative is part of the government’s effort to increase the value of aquaculture products while making greater use of materials that might otherwise be discarded.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries plans to encourage fish farming locations to utilize by-products, including fish skin, as stated in an online workshop on “Food Product Diversification and Innovation.” This encouragement is along with the ministry’s plan to revitalize 14,000 aquaculture ponds, expand thematic fish farming, and modernization of 4.582 unit fishing vessels.

“We will also encourage the recovery and utilization of side streams or by-products. How can we make use of this catfish skin? Can we process it into food products as well? For example, catfish skin crackers,” the ministry’s Director of Processing at the Directorate General for Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fisheries Products, Budi Yuwono, said on Monday, August 31, 2026.

Another potential use is the production of collagen. “Or we can collect and recover it to be used later as a raw material for collagen.,” Yuwono added, outlining how fish-processing waste could become a source of new raw materials.

The approach will be developed alongside better product handling, value-added processing and post-harvest support at locations participating in the government’s thematic aquaculture program. The ministry also plans to facilitate cooperation between producers and off-takers to help connect processed products with markets.

The ministry sees the initiative as a model for more sustainable fish processing. “This also serves as a model for fish processing based on the zero-waste concept,” Yuwono said.

The initiative also aims to diversify fish consumption and strengthen protein security among the population. Yuwono said the program would ultimately support downstream development in villages through the creation of value-added fish products.