The National Food Agency (Bapanas) and Commission IV of the DPR are encouraging the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and state-owned enterprises (BUMN) to explore the Swedish fish market due to Sweden's heavy reliance on imports for its fish supply. Bapanas Head Arief Prasetyo Adi, following a visit to Sweden, noted that most of Sweden's fish supply is imported, indicating a significant market opportunity for Indonesian fishery businesses. Arief emphasized continuous support for the KKP to explore this market. During the visit, discussions with Swedish officials covered government programs on food, agriculture, fisheries, marine affairs, and environmental sustainability. Arief, alongside the DPR and the Swedish Parliament, visited the fish and seafood market in Arsta. He highlighted Indonesia's key fish commodities, including tuna, skipjack, mackerel, and octopus, noting that Indonesia is the world's largest tuna producer. The KKP has designated 2024 as Indonesia Tuna Year to enhance the global competitiveness of Indonesian tuna.
According to The International Trade Centre (ITC), Sweden imported 524,000 tons of fresh or chilled fish, 135,000 tons of other fish meat, and 48,000 tons of frozen fish in 2023, with major suppliers including Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, China, and Poland. KKP data shows that Indonesia's tuna production in 2022 accounted for approximately 19.1% of the global supply, increasing to 1.5 million tons in 2023. Over the past five years, Indonesia's fishery market share in the European Union averaged 1.1% of total EU imports, with fishery exports to the EU accounting for 6.05% of Indonesia's total fishery export value in 2022. In 2023, Indonesia's fishery production reached 24.74 million tons, including capture fisheries, aquaculture, and seaweed. In 2023, PT Perikanan Indonesia (Persero) or Perindo achieved record fish product exports, significantly increasing both volume and value. Perindo expanded its export market to include Australia, China, and Korea, with total exports reaching 572,633.26 kg worth IDR 31.89 billion. Fajar Widisasono, Perindo's Operational Director, highlighted that product diversification was key to their success. Perindo plans to further expand its export market and production capacity, collaborating with various stakeholders to elevate the standards and quality of Indonesian fishery products.
