Indonesia is one of the world’s largest archipelagos, with a vast ocean territory and abundant marine resources. The country’s fishing industry plays a crucial role in the national economy, providing employment and food security for millions of people. In recent years, Indonesia’s fishery exports have shown steady growth, making it a significant contributor to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. In this article, we will explore the state of Indonesia’s fishery exports in 2015.
The Importance of Fishery Exports
Fishery exports are a vital component of Indonesia’s trade balance. In 2015, fishery exports amounted to USD 4.44 billion, accounting for 3.25% of the country’s total exports. The value of fishery exports increased by 3.89% compared to the previous year, which was a considerable achievement given the challenges faced by the industry.
The fisheries sector is the second-largest contributor to Indonesia’s agricultural GDP, after palm oil. The industry employs over 12 million people, mostly in small-scale and artisanal fishing. Fishery exports provide an important source of income for these communities, as well as contributing to the country’s food security and nutrition.
Types of Fishery Products Exported
Indonesia’s fishery exports consist of various products, including fresh, chilled, and frozen fish; processed fish products; and crustaceans and mollusks. The most significant export product by value is shrimp, followed by tuna, skipjack, and squid. In 2015, shrimp exports amounted to USD 1.38 billion or 31.07% of total fishery exports, while tuna exports were valued at USD 907 million or 20.42% of total exports.
The country’s fishery products are exported to over 100 countries worldwide, with Japan, the United States, and China being the top three destinations. In 2015, these three countries accounted for 46.3% of Indonesia’s total fishery exports.
Challenges Faced by the Fishery Export Industry
Despite the steady growth in fishery exports, the industry still faces several challenges. One of the main challenges is the issue of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This problem has led to overfishing and depletion of fish stocks, as well as damaging the reputation of Indonesian fishery products in international markets.
The IUU fishing problem has prompted the government to take strict measures to combat it, including a moratorium on new fishing licenses and a ban on foreign fishing vessels operating in Indonesian waters. The government has also implemented a traceability system for fishery products, aimed at ensuring their legality and sustainability.
Another challenge faced by the industry is the lack of infrastructure and technology. Many small-scale fishermen still use traditional fishing methods and equipment, which limits their productivity and efficiency. The lack of proper cold storage facilities and transport infrastructure also affects the quality of fishery products and their competitiveness in international markets.
The Way Forward
To ensure the sustainability and growth of Indonesia’s fishery exports, various measures need to be taken. These include:
- Strengthening the enforcement of IUU fishing regulations and increasing surveillance and monitoring in Indonesian waters
- Investing in infrastructure and technology to improve the productivity and efficiency of small-scale fishery operations
- Providing training and education for fishermen to enhance their skills and knowledge in sustainable fishing practices
- Encouraging the development of value-added fishery products to increase their competitiveness in international markets
- Strengthening partnerships and collaborations with other countries to promote sustainable fishery management and trade
By addressing these challenges and implementing these measures, Indonesia’s fishery exports can continue to grow and contribute to the country’s economy and food security.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s fishery exports in 2015 showed steady growth and contributed significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Shrimp, tuna, skipjack, and squid were the main fishery products exported, with Japan, the United States, and China being the top destinations. The industry still faces challenges related to IUU fishing, infrastructure, and technology. However, by taking the necessary measures, Indonesia’s fishery exports can continue to thrive and provide benefits to the country’s economy and people.
