Held A Blue Economy International Workshop, Indonesia Invites IORA Members To Review Lele Cultivation In Padang

JAKARTA - Indonesia emphasized its leadership in developing the blue economy in the Indian Ocean region through the holding of an international workshop entitled "IORA Workshop on Enhancing Biosecurity Practices in Inland Aquaculture Farms" in Padang, West Sumatra.

This international workshop was organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) which was attended by representatives of member countries and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) speech partners.

The Director General of Asia Pacific and African Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Ambassador Abdul Kadir Jailani, in his opening remarks said that Indonesia has a strategic role in the world acultural industry.

"In 2022, Indonesia will occupy the position of the second largest accultural producer in the world, accounting for about 10 percent of total global production," said Ambassador Jailani, launching a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, November 20.

"This achievement is very relevant today, in line with President Prabowo's priorities in strengthening national food security," he continued.

Meanwhile, West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah said West Sumatra made its wealth of fishery resources a motor for sustainable economic growth.

"West Sumatra has a large wealth of fishery resources, and we are committed to making it a sustainable regional economic growth motorbike," said Governor Mahyeldi.

This international workshop discusses various strategic topics related to strengthening food security in the accultural sector, both in terms of national policy and best practices (best practices) that have been implemented in various IORA member countries.

The focus of discussion includes the application of biosecurity in land fisheries cultivation, increasing stakeholder capacity, and innovation of sustainable acculture capable of supporting the welfare of coastal communities.

A number of expert speakers attended this international workshop, including the Fishery Officer of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Dr. Bin Hao and Dr. Malasri Khumsri from Aquaculture Technology Expert, Department of Fisheries Thailand.

As part of a series of activities held on November 19 - 20, 2025, the participants made field visits to fish cultivation business units, Kampung Guo and Mr Krab in Padang to see firsthand the application of biosecurity principles and biofolk systems as well as fishery product processing innovations that support added value to the local economy.

The implementation of this activity is a concrete manifestation of Indonesia's active role as chairman of the Working Group on the Blue Economy (WGBE) of IORA for the 2023-2025 period, as well as the implementation of the 2024 2027 WGBE IORA Work Plan in the field of promotion of sustainable accumulation and strengthening the capacity of stakeholders.