The Directorate General of Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fishery Products (PDSPKP) at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) noted that Indonesian fish exports via air transport increased significantly—from 38,000 tons in 2023 to 46,300 tons in 2024, a 21.72% increase in volume. Currently, 52 airlines operate exports through nine international airports, and this number has the potential to increase with the Ministry of Transportation's designation of 36 more airports as international.
PDSPKP Director, Berny Achmad Subki, is optimistic that airports such as those in Ambon and Biak will allow seafood products such as fresh tuna and local ornamental fish to be exported directly from Maluku and Papua, accelerating the distribution process and maximizing the value of domestic ports. Fishery exports alone contributed USD 533.8 million in 2024, reflecting the significant potential of marine commodities that can be accelerated through air transport. The Ministry also ensures product quality through Ministerial Regulation No. 9 of 2024 concerning the Fish Distribution System, and encourages the implementation of SPDI (Fish Product Distribution System) certification through the CEIV Fresh facility, initiated by Jasa Angkasa Semesta Tbk, as a measure to maintain quality from receipt to delivery. With integrated infrastructure and regulations, Maluku and Papua are projected to become not just suppliers of raw materials but also export hubs for premium fish directly to the international market.
