Indonesia's Fisheries Exports Reach US$5.07 Billion, Up 5.1 Percent

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JAKARTA - Indonesia's fishery product export performance showed a positive trend until October 2025. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the value of fishery commodity exports reached US$5.07 billion, a 5.1 percent increase compared to US$4.82 billion in the same period the previous year.

"We should certainly be proud that Indonesia has consistently maintained its position as a net exporter, with its exports exceeding those of fishery commodities," said Machmud, Acting Director General of Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fishery Products (PDSPKP) at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, in a written statement on Saturday, December 13.

Machmud explained that although the sector was hit by issues with shrimp exports to the United States, export performance generally remained strong.

Exports to the US rose 2.6 percent to US$1.6 billion. Similarly, exports to ASEAN countries rose 22.7 percent to US$811.64 million.

Exports to Japan rose 2.3 percent to US$506.28 million, while exports to the European Union grew 8.3 percent to US$379.54 million.

In terms of commodities, shrimp remains the largest contributor, with an export value of US$1.4 billion, representing an 8.6 percent year-on-year increase.

"Thank God, despite the dynamics this year, shrimp exports continue to increase, and exports to the US market have also increased," he said.

Not only in terms of exports, investment in this sector has also shown positive performance. As of the third quarter of 2025, investment in the marine and fisheries sector reached IDR 7.8 trillion.

The breakdown is as follows: processing (32.26 percent), aquaculture (27.48 percent), marketing (21.72 percent), fishing (15.35 percent), and fisheries services (3.19 percent).

"This figure was achieved through a number of activities, such as providing assistance with investment plans for domestic and foreign investors, implementing business licensing in the marine and fisheries sector, and holding investment and business matching forums," said Machmud.

According to Machmud, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has also strengthened the capacity of marine and fisheries MSMEs. He claimed that several programs and activities had been implemented throughout 2025.

These activities include the MSME Upgrade Program, which successfully curated 657 MSMEs throughout Indonesia, and provided technical guidance on legality and administration, financing, and marketing.

"As a pillar of GDP (gross domestic product), the existence of MSMEs must be continuously strengthened. This year, we curated 657 MSMEs to upgrade their classes, including in terms of legality, financing, and marketing," he explained.

Specifically in the financing sector, Machmud continued, his office has provided financial facilitation and literacy, coordinated program credit working groups, and socialized and facilitated the warehouse receipt system targeting business actors.

As a result, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has disbursed IDR 4.7 trillion in People's Business Credit (KUR) to 91,304 borrowers. These loans are distributed across the sectors of aquaculture (33.87 percent), fisheries trade (30.9 percent), fisheries capture (23.75 percent), fisheries services (8.2 percent), processing (2.85 percent), and salt production (0.38 percent).

"This year may be over, but we will not stop doing our best for the maritime and fisheries sector," he added.