The Fisheries and Trade Office of Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, is exploring opportunities to export local fisheries products to the United States and China, aiming to utilize the measured fisheries ecosystem's zone two status, which allows exports to Japan, the United States, and China. Effendi Igirisa, the head of the office, highlighted the potential for direct exports from Frans Kaisiepo Airport in Biak to boost foreign exchange revenue in the fisheries and marine sectors. Effendi emphasized that the goal of establishing direct exports from Biak to the United States, China, and Japan is in response to President Joko Widodo's directive during the inauguration of the Modern Fishing Village (Kalamo) in Samber-Binyeri District, Yendidori, in November 2023, aiming to enable Frans Kaisiepo Airport in Biak for direct exports. Support from the central government, particularly the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), is pivotal in transforming Frans Kaisiepo Airport into a key cargo hub for fisheries exports, leveraging Biak's strategic geographic location as Indonesia's gateway to the Pacific region.

Effendi expressed hope for a reconsideration of the Ministry of Transportation's decision to revoke Frans Kaisiepo Biak Airport's international status. He stressed the need for special policies to facilitate direct fisheries exports from Biak, considering its potential as a gateway to Pacific nations. Biak Numfor boasts various fisheries and marine products with export potential, including fresh tuna, lobsters, crabs, ornamental fish, and seaweed. Effendi underlined the importance of seizing the opportunity to expand direct exports from Biak to enhance the region's economic prospects and contribute to Indonesia's foreign exchange earnings.

Source: https://papua.antaranews.com/berita/720846/biak-numfor-jajaki-ekspor-perikanan-ke-amerika-dan-china