Jakarta, November 23, 2024 – The Europe Today: Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the Government of Singapore have agreed to enhance their cooperation in the marine and fisheries sectors, with a focus on implementing blue economy programs.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Indonesian Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono and Singaporean Ambassador to Indonesia Kwok Fook Seng at the KKP office in Jakarta on Friday afternoon.
Minister Trenggono expressed Indonesia’s strong commitment to advancing its blue economy agenda, outlining five key programs aimed at sustainable marine and fisheries development. These include the expansion of marine conservation areas, quota-based fishing, sustainable cultivation of aquatic resources, coastal and small island management, and involving fishermen in marine plastic waste reduction efforts.
“We are genuinely determined to carry out the five blue economy programs, and we are ready to collaborate with Singapore in various fields,” Trenggono emphasized.
Key Focus Areas for Cooperation
The minister highlighted that Indonesia is optimistic about deepening its collaboration with Singapore in maximizing fishery resources, especially given the substantial value of Indonesia’s marine product exports to Singapore, which totaled USD 113.4 million last year.
Indonesia has been implementing several initiatives to strengthen its fishery sector, including promoting measured fishing practices, particularly in its eastern waters, and developing sustainable farming models for key export marine commodities such as shrimp, seaweed, tilapia, and lobsters.
Trenggono also announced plans to revitalize thousands of hectares of idle ponds along the northern coast of Java Island next year, with a particular focus on tilapia cultivation. The global market value of tilapia is expected to reach USD 23.02 billion by 2034, up from USD 14.46 billion in 2024.
Marine Conservation Efforts
In terms of marine conservation, the KKP has been actively expanding Indonesia’s marine conservation zones, rehabilitating coral reefs, improving the infrastructure for submarine cables and pipes, and addressing plastic waste in the ocean. These efforts are designed to sustain the marine ecosystem while boosting economic growth.
Ambassador Kwok affirmed Singapore’s readiness to assist Indonesia in the implementation of the five blue economy programs, particularly in the areas of marine resource cultivation, conservation zone expansion, and marine plastic waste reduction. He reiterated Singapore’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s efforts to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
This strengthened partnership reflects both countries’ shared commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine resources and fostering economic growth in the fisheries sector.
