The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) reports Indonesia's tuna production at 1.5 million tons, with exports valued at USD 927.2 million or around IDR 14.8 trillion. Indonesia contributes 19.1% to global tuna supplies, underlining its significance. Aruna, an integrated seafood trading startup, emphasizes the need for tuna sustainability. Utari Octavianty, Aruna's Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer, stresses the importance of preserving tuna populations, especially post-World Tuna Day on May 2, 2024. She aims to raise awareness of sustainable tuna fishing practices. Indonesia exports tuna to various countries, including the US, Italy, Japan, Vietnam, Australia, and Singapore, showcasing the nation's vast tuna industry potential. Aruna identifies five tuna species as Indonesia's flagship commodities: Bigeye Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Albacore, Skipjack Tuna, and Southern Bluefin Tuna. Utari encourages fishermen and stakeholders to contribute to tuna population conservation through sustainable practices.
Budi Sulistiyo, Director General for Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fisheries Products at MMAF, asserts tuna's importance as a top animal protein source. He stresses the necessity of sustainable practices to ensure tuna availability for current and future generations. Continuous population monitoring is crucial for tuna conservation, along with government collaboration and policy implementation. Partnerships with organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) aid in ensuring tuna sustainability and mitigating fishing's ecological impact. Indonesia actively participates in international fisheries agreements, including the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT), the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC), reinforcing its commitment to responsible fisheries management.
