The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) emphasizes the importance of synergy among stakeholders, including the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), the Ministry of Industry, the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), local governments, and associations, to enhance the competitiveness of canned fish products made from tuna, skipjack, sardines, lemuru, and mackerel. The government provides incentives for companies with high Local Content Levels (TKDN). "This synergy is crucial for efficient production, maintaining quality assurance systems, increasing TKDN, and expanding market access," stated Budi Sulistiyo, Director General of Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fishery Products (PDSPKP), on May 19, 2024. Steps to help Indonesian canned fish products access European Union and United States markets include facilitating EU approval numbers for HACCP grade A certified Fish Processing Units (UPI) and negotiating tariff exemptions. The tariff exemption for canned tuna/skipjack to Japan will soon be ratified. Budi is optimistic about the downstream potential of canned fish in Indonesia, noting the European Union's 39.3% share of the global market, followed by the United States at 14.7%, the Middle East at 7.5%, Japan at 5.3%, and ASEAN at 3.5%. Indonesia ranks 8th among global canned fish exporters with a market share of 3.5%. He highlighted export opportunities, especially to Saudi Arabia, Japan, Thailand, the United States, and Australia.
Budi also noted the employment benefits of the canned fish industry, which employs about 20,000 people in 40 medium to large-scale UPI canning facilities based on Processing Feasibility Certificates (SKP) data. "This figure only includes the processing industry, not the multiplier effect from raw materials like cans and fish supply," he added. Widya Rusyanto, Director of Processing and Quality Improvement at PDSPKP, stressed that synergy is essential for advancing canning UPIs, given the high-risk nature of business registration numbers (NIB) for canned fish products. During a focus group discussion (FGD) in Banyuwangi, East Java, business operators highlighted the limited availability of domestically produced cans. "This needs to be balanced with accessible local fish raw materials at competitive prices," Widya said. Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono emphasized that collaboration among all stakeholders is vital to strengthening market access and benefiting both Indonesian and global communities.
