The Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin), through the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center in the Riau Islands (Kepri), certified 30.9 tons of crab commodities from Tanjungpinang, valued at IDR 5.76 billion in the first half of 2024. The Head of Kepri Quarantine, Herwintarti, announced that these certifications were facilitated by the Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport (RHF) unit in Tanjungpinang, enabling the crabs to be transported to other regions, including Batam, Jakarta, and East Java, across 309 shipments. Herwintarti highlighted the crucial role of quarantine in maintaining the quality and safety of crab products, which is vital for both domestic and export markets. Quarantine inspections ensure the health and safety of the crabs, preventing the spread of diseases and contaminants. This process also involves testing for microbiological hazards, residues, and contaminants to uphold food safety standards.
She noted that the high market value of crabs, both fresh and canned, offers significant economic potential, particularly in export markets in Asia, Europe, and America. The strong market demand supports the growth of the crab meat processing industry in Indonesia. Barantin's efforts, guided by Head Sahat M. Panggabean, focus on facilitating trade to penetrate global markets, thereby enhancing the economic value of agricultural and fishery commodities and benefiting the local economy. Herwintarti also emphasized the nutritional benefits of crab meat, which is rich in protein (20-24%), EPA, DHA, vitamin B12, zinc, and phosphorus, while being low in fat (1-2%). She urged stakeholders to ensure that all shipments are reported to quarantine officials to maintain the integrity of the products. This initiative underscores the importance of quality assurance in boosting the competitiveness and marketability of Indonesian crab products on the global stage.
