Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, announced that new regulations on lobster management have successfully attracted foreign investors to engage in aquaculture in Indonesia. Following the investment by five Vietnamese companies in Bali, Chinese investors are now showing interest in lobster farming in the waters of the Riau Islands. "One Chinese state-owned company, which has been a major buyer of Vietnamese aquaculture products, is now looking to invest here. They have already conducted surveys in the Riau Islands," Trenggono stated during a working meeting with Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on Tuesday, 11 June 2024. Trenggono highlighted that foreign investment in lobster farming will boost national revenue through Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) schemes. He estimated that at least IDR 900 billion per year would be added to the state treasury from the export of lobster seeds. According to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation No. 7 of 2024 on the Management of Lobster, Crab, and Blue Swimming Crab, foreign companies investing in Indonesia are allowed to export lobster seeds for cultivation abroad. "The target is about 30 million seeds per month. If we assume 300 million seeds per year, with a PNBP of IDR 3,000 per seed, that equates to IDR 900 billion per year," Trenggono explained.
Alongside the new lobster management regulations, the Ministry has established PMO 724, a task force comprising various units within the ministry to oversee the implementation of the new lobster management regulations, from seed capture in the wild to aquaculture development, investment, and supervision. Trenggono hopes the new management system will reduce illegal lobster seed smuggling. The ministry is also strengthening its monitoring system while proposing an increased budget of approximately IDR 10 trillion for 2025. "Preventing lobster seed smuggling is crucial. Adequate funding would allow us to closely monitor all entry points, including sea and air routes," he emphasized. Chairman of Commission IV, Sudin, urged that investment opportunities in lobster farming be extended to investors from other countries to further stimulate the sector in Indonesia. "Other countries should also be invited to invest according to the laws, not just Vietnam. Invite Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia, or Thailand as well," Sudin suggested.
