Promoting Quality Fish Consumption to Prevent Stunting and Build a Healthy Generation
Jakarta, May 14, 2025 – Regal Springs Indonesia (PT Aqua Farm Nusantara) participated in the event “Dapur Nusantara: Ikan Bermutu untuk Generasi Emas” organized by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). The event was also held in collaboration with BPPMHKP (Agency for the Control and Supervision of Marine and Fisheries Product Quality), Ditjen PDSPKP (Directorate General of Strengthening Competitiveness of Marine and Fisheries Products), Dharma Wanita Persatuan KKP, and PIMTI (Indonesian Women Leadership School), at Mina Bahari 3 Building, KKP, Jakarta.
This initiative is part of the National Movement for Accelerated Reduction of Stunting and Women’s Empowerment, featuring a series of activities such as talk shows, cooking demos, and cooking challenges. It carries a dual mission: promoting the consumption of tilapia as a local superfood rich in protein and omega-3 to combat stunting, and empowering women as drivers of food innovation and family health.
In his opening speech, Deputy Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Dr. Didit Herdiawan Ashaf, M.PA, M.BA emphasized that the “Eat Fish Movement” is a movement of national pride that should be continuously echoed, from local kitchens to global markets. “Let us make this event a real action of a collaborative campaign that can elevate fish as the primary source of protein and nutrition for family food security,” said Dr. Didit.
As a leading producer of premium tilapia in Indonesia, Regal Springs Indonesia is committed to sustainable and responsible farming practices. Tri Dharma Saputra, Director of Regal Springs Indonesia, expressed the importance of such collaborations.
“Our support for this event aligns with our vision of promoting the health of future generations while strengthening the role of women in family food security. We hope that this collaboration can bring real benefits and raise awareness about the importance of consuming fish as a high-quality protein source,” he explained.
Tilapia is known for its high protein content, low fat, and is rich in omega-3 and vitamin D, making it an ideal choice for supporting family health. Regal Springs Indonesia’s products meet both national and international standards and are exported to various countries, including the United States, Asia, and Europe.
In the nutrition discussion titled “Tilapia Superfood: Local Nutrition, National Solution, Tackling Stunting, Empowering Women towards a Golden Generation 2045,” Head of BPPMHKP Ir. Ishartini emphasized that this movement is a real step towards inclusive and sustainable food sovereignty.
“Education on fish quality must reach all levels of society. In the hands of creative women and mothers as ‘managers’ in families, tilapia can become an investment in family health and the nation’s economic potential. A healthy Indonesia starts from our kitchens. It is hoped that education on good fish quality can become a collective movement,” she stated.
Dr. Evi Verawati, MGizi, SpGK, who was also present as a speaker, highlighted the importance of fish as a primary source of protein. “Protein plays many vital roles in the body, including tissue formation, the production of digestive enzymes and hormones, and the creation of antibodies.
The protein in fish has a high biological value, meaning its amino acid composition is optimal and efficiently absorbed by the body. Fish is not only a source of high-quality protein but is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), vitamin D, iodine, selenium, and antioxidants—all of which have direct effects on women’s bodily systems.
“Regular fish consumption has been proven to provide significant health benefits for women, both in terms of prevention, therapy, and even aesthetics. Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of degenerative diseases,” explained Dr. Evi.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), Dr. Evi also emphasized that omega-3s in fish play an important role in heart health for women. “We know that women are more at risk of heart disease compared to men,” she said.
Omega-3 in fish can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 25%, and regular fish consumption can lower the risk of stroke by 17%. A study involving 40,000 women showed that those who ate fish twice a week were healthier, and fish helped reduce blood pressure by up to 30% in women with hypertension, attributed to the EPA and DHA content in fish.
Furthermore, Dr. Evi elaborated on the connection between fish consumption and women’s mental health. “Women who consume fish twice a week experience a 17% reduction in the risk of depression compared to those who rarely eat fish. EPA and DHA in fish directly contribute to the function of neurotransmitter systems in the brain,” she explained.
“Additionally, omega-3 can increase the production of serotonin and dopamine, hormones that play a crucial role in mood regulation. Studies on premenopausal and menopausal women show that consuming fatty fish 2-3 times a week can reduce anxiety symptoms by up to 20%,” added Dr. Evi.
Fish is a superior protein source, highly recommended not only for its quality but also for its healthy fat benefits, especially for productive and active women who need optimal cognitive performance, want to maintain heart health, and reduce chronic inflammation.
This event is expected to inspire the community to make fish a part of a healthy and sustainable diet, while also supporting the government’s efforts to accelerate stunting reduction and women’s empowerment.
