The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is expanding its fisheries export markets to the Middle East and East Asia in response to uncertain global economic conditions, particularly in the United States. Budi Sulistyo, Director General of the Competitiveness Strengthening of Marine and Fisheries Products (PDSPKP) at KKP, highlighted this strategic move during a press conference on the ministry's performance in the first half of 2024, held at the Mina Bahari Building, Jakarta, on 26 July 2024. Budi noted that the global economy's fluctuations have prompted KKP to diversify export destinations, focusing on underexplored regions like the Middle East and new markets in East Asia, including South Korea and Hong Kong. He mentioned that Indonesia's participation in international expos, such as those in Barcelona and the United States, has been instrumental in promoting Indonesian fisheries products, resulting in transactions totaling IDR 151 billion during a three-day event.
In addition to expanding exports, KKP is also enhancing domestic market access for fish products. The ministry is fostering collaborations with local fish producers to strengthen market penetration. Concerning the European Union, Budi stated that the Indonesian government is engaged in economic diplomacy to reduce tariffs on Indonesian fish products. Despite the global challenges, the United States remains Indonesia's largest fisheries export market, with exports valued at USD 889.39 million. China follows with USD 556.04 million, ASEAN with USD 353.93 million, Japan with USD 285.47 million, and the European Union with USD 193.35 million. This initiative underscores KKP's commitment to diversifying and expanding its export markets, ensuring sustainable growth in Indonesia's fisheries sector amidst global economic uncertainties.
