The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) facilitated the export of 483 kg of fresh fish from Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to Malaysia and Singapore. This marks the first exportation by CV Labuan Bajo Fishery, benefitting from guidance and quality assurance from the Marine and Fisheries Product Quality Control and Supervision Agency (BPPMHKP). "Previously, our deliveries were domestic only, but after undergoing the quality assurance process, we are finally able to commence our first export," stated Jonison Petrus, Head of the Fish Quarantine Station, Quality Control and Safety of Fisheries Products (SKIPM) Bima, in a written statement quoted on Sunday (11/12/2023). The quality assurance was conducted to ensure the quality and safety of the fisheries commodities passing through or coming from NTT. This assurance encompassed health checks for the fish and technical guidance for checking the facilities of the businesses until the issuance of health certificates for the fish.
In detail, the exported commodities included 35 kg of fresh snapper, 78 kg of fresh red snapper, and fresh grouper exported to Malaysia. Additionally, 254 kg of fresh snapper and 116 kg of fresh grouper were exported to Singapore. Jonison expressed hope that this inaugural export would inspire other businesses to engage in export activities. He noted that Labuan Bajo, a tourist area, possesses exceptional potential in the fisheries sector. He mentioned that SKIPM Bima is openly providing consultation for those wishing to access foreign markets, particularly in terms of administrative aspects. "We hope this serves as an opening for others. We are open to providing assistance in terms of quality requirements for those interested in exporting," he concluded.
