Jakarta, November 28, 2024 – To commemorate National Fish Day on November 21, 2024, Regal Springs Indonesia (PT Aqua Farm Nusantara) and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) held a discussion forum titled “Indonesia Tilapia Blue Food.” With the theme “Tilapia: A Source of Protein for Food Security and the Global Market,” the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of fish as a high-quality protein source that contributes to both national food security and global markets.
As a producer of premium tilapia committed to sustainability, Regal Springs Indonesia recognizes the importance of collaboration in building public understanding of tilapia’s potential. This product is not only rich in protein but also serves as a high-nutrition food option that supports human resource development in Indonesia.
The forum served as a platform to exchange knowledge, explore potential, and address challenges within the tilapia industry both domestically and globally. By bringing together key stakeholders, the event aimed to foster synergy to strengthen tilapia’s role in the global food system.
Rudolf Hoeffelman, President Director of Regal Springs Indonesia, explained that the forum’s goal was a collective effort to improve the nutritional quality of future generations by raising public awareness about the importance of nutritious food.
“Tilapia, with its high-quality protein content and other essential nutrients, is more than just food. It is the foundation for a healthier and stronger future and a vital resource for building Indonesia’s Golden Generation by 2045,” said Rudolf.
He also added that tilapia is currently one of Indonesia’s leading fishery export commodities with increasing demand. “To meet international market demands and standards, we are committed to ensuring that our tilapia products are farmed and produced in line with good aquaculture practices,” Rudolf emphasized.
At the forum, Erwin Dwiyana, S.Pi., M.Sc., Director of Marketing at the Directorate General of Product Competitiveness Enhancement for Marine and Fisheries Products, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, stressed the strategic significance of tilapia.
“Tilapia is the second most farmed fish globally after carp. Not only is it rich in omega-3 and other essential nutrients, but it also significantly contributes to meeting public nutrition needs and increasing national revenue,” said Erwin.
Erwin further elaborated that the domestic tilapia consumption reached 1.43 million tons in 2023, while Indonesia’s tilapia exports in the same year amounted to 11,166 tons, valued at USD 81.77 million. The export value growth between 2017 and 2023 reached 6.7%. “To succeed in the global market, solid synergy and collaboration across the entire supply chain are essential,” he added.
Echoing this, Ir. Ujang Komarudin, M.Sc., Director of Freshwater Fish, Directorate General of Aquaculture, stated that tilapia is currently one of the top five priority commodities of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. “This presents a great opportunity to support national food security while strengthening Indonesia’s position in the global market,” he said.
Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Rokhmin Dahuri, MS, Chair of the Indonesian Aquaculture Society, also shared his views on the role of tilapia in the global food system. “Indonesia is the second-largest tilapia producer in the world after China. The tilapia industry has a significant multiplier effect, from job creation to improving community welfare,” he explained.
The forum also brought together various stakeholders from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS), and others.
