Government Targets Thematic Inland Fish Farming in 4,000 Locations by 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is stepping up efforts to improve public nutrition while increasing national food production through the development of a Thematic Inland Fish Farming Program. By 2026, the program is targeted to expand to 4,000 locations across Indonesia, helping meet domestic demand for fish while supporting the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

Head of the Government Communications Agency, Muhammad Qodari, said the program was first developed in 2025 at 100 locations across West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, and East Java. The expansion is being carried out gradually, with the government ensuring the readiness of each area, from land verification to production and marketing.

“The Thematic Inland Fish Farming Program aims to meet domestic demand for fish for consumption, while also supporting one of the President’s priority programs, the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program,” Qodari said at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 2 2026.

For the 2026 implementation, the government is prioritizing catfish and tilapia, as both species are relatively easy to farm, have short cultivation periods, strong market demand, and can be raised on limited land. The government is also promoting biofloc technology, which is considered capable of reducing water use, optimizing feed efficiency, and increasing productivity.

The development will not be limited to catfish and tilapia. The government is also opening opportunities to cultivate other freshwater species, including pangasius, gourami, carp, and local freshwater fish, based on the potential and characteristics of each region.

Qodari said the program is also designed to establish a supply chain connecting fish farmers with consumers and markets. “The harvested fish will later be marketed through cooperatives or managing institutions to various outlets, including Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs), traditional markets, food processing businesses, restaurants, and retail networks,” he said.

The government expects the expansion of fish farming across Indonesia to not only increase national fish production, but also create jobs and raise local incomes. The program is also expected to stimulate economic activity at the village level while strengthening the availability of nutritious food for communities.