The implementation of tilapia fish ponds in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, will be modeled after the pond management practices in Karawang, West Java. This was emphasized by the Acting Governor of East Kalimantan, Akmal Malik, on Monday, July 15, 2024, in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. He explained that the model for the ponds in Balikpapan will be based on the saline tilapia ponds in Karawang, West Java. "I will cooperate with the UPTD Balai Layanan Usaha Produksi Perikanan Budi Daya (BLUPPB) in Karawang, West Java," he added. Acting Governor Akmal Malik hopes that the establishment of these pilot ponds for the cultivation of saline tilapia, shrimp, and seaweed will increase the local revenue (PAD) for East Kalimantan. He also believes it will bolster food security in the fisheries sector of East Kalimantan. "The export market for saline tilapia is extraordinary. We also plan to provide a fillet factory around the area," he concluded.
However, the project is hindered by limited funding. The Acting Governor of East Kalimantan, Akmal Malik, intends to realize a tilapia farming pond on a 100-hectare plot owned by the Balikpapan City Government as a pilot project. Despite being a significant step towards enhancing food security in the fisheries sector of East Kalimantan, it appears the initiative will require substantial time. "We want to proceed, but the budget is limited," stated Akmal Malik. Nonetheless, the Director General of Regional Autonomy at the Ministry of Home Affairs remains optimistic about the project's realization. They are currently coordinating with several regional organizations (OPD), including agriculture and marine experts. "Due to budget constraints, we are asking several OPDs to assist. We'll start on a small scale first, but the key is to begin and aim for success," said Akmal Malik. Besides saline tilapia, the ponds will also be used for other aquaculture commodities. "We can use an agro-fishery approach (integration of fisheries with other commodities). We can include shrimp and seaweed, so we can harvest multiple commodities from the same pond," Akmal Malik stated.
