The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) in Indonesia reported a trade surplus in the fisheries sector from January to August 2024, amounting to USD 3.41 billion. Despite importing some fishery commodities, Indonesia maintained its status as a net exporter of fishery products. The Director General of Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fisheries Products (PDSPKP), Budi Sulistiyo, emphasized that imports were only made for commodities lacking local substitutes and required by specific processing industries and the hospitality, restaurant, and catering (horeca) sectors. Regulations governing import control are outlined in several regulations, including Government Regulation No. 9 of 2018 and Presidential Regulation No. 61 of 2024 on Commodity Balance. The import of fishery commodities is integrated through the Indonesia National Single Window (INSW) to ensure transparency and strict monitoring. This process involves various agencies, including the Directorate General of Customs and Excise and the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Supervision (PSDKP). Budi stated that import decisions are made through coordination among institutions led by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, considering domestic needs that cannot be met by local production. Regular inspections are conducted to adjust supply and demand within the country, he added.
Data from KKP shows that several imported fishery commodities, such as mackerel, crab, cod fish, and fishmeal, experienced significant declines compared to the same period in the previous year. Total fishery imports reached USD 315.51 million by August 2024, while Indonesian fishery exports totaled USD 3.73 billion, dominated by exports of shrimp and tuna-cakalang-tongkol. Budi explained that the 60.81% decrease in mackerel imports indicates a reduction in dependence on certain imported fish types, as local supplies have become more capable of meeting industrial needs. The government did not allocate additional funds for mackerel imports in 2024 because domestic supplies were deemed sufficient. Previously, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, sealed 20 tons of imported sardine fish in Batam, Kepulauan Riau, as they were found to be sold in local markets, potentially harming local fishermen. Trenggono emphasized that imported sardines were intended for the canning industry, not for local markets
