The Indonesian fisheries industry in the era of free trade has many big opportunities. Indonesia as a maritime country has tremendously marine potential. The Indonesian Sea has an area of approximately 3.1 million sq. km (territorial sea waters of 0.3 million sq. km and coastal waters 2.8 million sq. km) and Indonesia Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covers an area of approximately 2.7 million sq. km stores many types of fish and other marine resources which have very important economic value.
Indonesia is the world biggest tuna producer especially for skipjack, yellowfin, and big eyes. The fishing grounds are widespread, extending from the Indian Ocean EEZ waters in the south to the Pacific Ocean EEZ waters in the north, passing through the extensive archipelagic waters of the Banda, Maluku, Seram and other location mostly in Eastern Indonesia. The main export destination for this product are Japan, Thailand, and United States. Not only Indonesia has become the main supplier for Japan but also it dominates the US market.
Tuna commodities has a very high economic value and has a strategic role for Indonesia economic growth and development. The government has design tuna industry as a reference for fisheries bycatch industrialization. Despite being the world’s largest producer, Indonesia is not the main exporter for fresh and canned tuna
Indonesia’s marine resources have great potential and yet Indonesia still has a highly untapped export potential for seafood products. If Indonesia successfully develops sustainable fishery industries, it will become a major seafood supplier not only for local consumption but for the global market as well.
The Indonesian government focus on development of maritime infrastructure, quadrupling its fishery production through a revitalization program. This program needs a full commitment from all the stakeholders including the government, business players and society to emphasize sustain fisheries sector as one of the main drivers for Indonesia economic growth and for increasing society’s welfare.
