A fishery industry watchdog has asked the Indonesian fisheries export industry to improve their product quality and strive to meet international standards so as to be able to compete in global market.
Imam Trihatmadja, Director of the Destructive Fishing Watch (DFW) Indonesia Program, emphasized the need for improvements at every level of the fisheries sector to meet international standards, especially those of the European Union (EU).
He pointed out that Indonesia’s current reliance on the U.S. market and inconsistent product quality are contributing factors to the export lag.
“Indonesia must improve product quality to meet EU safety, sustainability, and traceability requirements,” Imam said as quoted in a DFW press statement on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Indonesia’s fisheries export is falling behind regional competitors, notably Vietnam. Despite the country’s rich resources, Indonesia’s projected fisheries export value for 2024 is expected to be only US$5.97 billion (Rp97.6 trillion), far below Vietnam’s impressive US$9.5 billion in exports.
One of the key challenges remains traceability, due to the prevalence of small-scale fishing vessels in Indonesia. With increasing international demand for certified and sustainable products, Indonesian fisheries must modernize their practices to enhance competitiveness.
Nabila Tauhida, a Human Rights Officer at DFW Indonesia, recommended strengthening diplomatic efforts with key export destinations like the EU.
She cited that this would involve ensuring compliance with international certifications such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and enhancing educational programs for suppliers and workers.
“By improving the upstream sector, Indonesia could boost its appeal to global markets, particularly the EU, which has a significant potential for fisheries exports,” she said.
Export performance 2024
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) reported a modest growth in the first 10 months of 2024, with fisheries exports reaching US$4.81 billion, a 4.37 percent increase compared to 2023.
Despite this progress, major markets such as the U.S., China, and ASEAN nations remain crucial, while the EU market lags far behind, contributing only US$0.35 billion.
Indonesia’s fishery export industry, currently dominated by captured fisheries, is at a crossroads. To gain a stronger foothold in the global market, Indonesia must overcome its internal challenges, improve its fishing practices, and foster stronger international relations to tap into growing markets like the EU and China.
