The International Indonesia Seafood & Meat (IISM) Expo and Indonesia Cold Chain Expo held at the Jakarta International Expo (JIexpo) saw the participation of 34 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) supported by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF). This involvement aimed to showcase the quality of Indonesian MSME products in the fisheries sector. The event, which lasted from May 8 to 11, 2024, provided a platform for MSMEs engaged in fish processing from various regions to exhibit their products. It attracted a diverse audience, including business entities, food agents and distributors, HOREKA industry players, chefs, culinary professionals, and representatives from the cold chain system and packaging industries. Budi Sulistiyo, the Director General of Product Competitiveness Strengthening of Marine and Fisheries Products (PDSPKP), highlighted the significance of such expos in offering MSMEs opportunities to explore new business ventures, stay abreast of current trends and technologies, and establish industry connections.
The event also served as a venue for product testing, with six selected MSMEs undergoing testing conducted by the Directorate General of Product Competitiveness Strengthening of Marine and Fisheries Products (Ditjen PDSPKP). These MSMEs had previously participated in the Processing and Marketing Technique Test Program (UTTPP) organized by the Center for Testing and Application of Marine and Fisheries Products (BBP3KP). Trisna Ningsih, Head of BBP3KP, expressed hope that the innovations showcased at the expo would benefit the wider public. Alongside product exhibitions, the event offered educational sessions on selecting quality and safe fish. The outcomes were promising, with reports indicating interest from international buyers and major local distributors. This participation aligns with the government's initiative to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs, as emphasized by Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, who stressed the importance of sustainable production practices for MSMEs.
