Govt prepare Thematic Aquaculture Program

The Indonesian government is advancing plans for a new Thematic Aquaculture Program aimed at boosting rural economies through structured fish farming initiatives. This initiative follows the recent formation of Village Cooperatives, designed to enhance local economic resilience. At a seminar held in Makassar, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan announced that all villages possessing arable land will participate in developing thematic fish farming projects. He emphasized the shift from carbohydrate-based food security, currently achieved through rice, to protein-rich fish supplies, stating, “We are already self-sufficient in rice for carbohydrates, and now we will move into fish protein.” The Thematic Fisheries Village Program is positioned as a key national project spanning 2025 to 2029. Its primary objective is to establish 40,000 thematic inland fish farming sites across 37 provinces. These sites will operate under the management of village or sub-district authorities in partnership with local communities. Implementation strategies include constructing production ponds, installing recirculation systems, building storage facilities for feed and equipment, and setting up control tanks and reservoirs. The program is projected to yield 1.2 million tons of fish annually, generating an estimated annual value of IDR 2.88 trillion. It aims to supply fish for 31.5 million recipients of the Free Nutritional Meal (MBG) program, thereby addressing both food security and nutritional needs. Minister Hasan highlighted the potential employment impact of the program, estimating it could generate around 8,000 permanent jobs, in addition to temporary roles during construction phases. He underscored the dual purpose of the initiative: fostering village-level economic empowerment and creating substantial employment opportunities. “If this program is successful, of course, it will create many jobs. Essentially, we want to build village economic empowerment while simultaneously employing as many workers as possible,” he remarked. The program aligns with broader efforts to expand aquaculture capacity, including recent steps to reintegrate Indonesia into the European Union’s aquaculture market. Additionally, there have been reports of progress toward rolling out the 40,000-village aquaculture initiative by 2026. These developments reflect a strategic push to diversify agricultural output and improve rural livelihoods through sustainable aquaculture practices. Village cooperatives, which were recently established, serve as foundational elements for this expansion. They are intended to act as collaborative frameworks enabling communities to manage and benefit directly from aquaculture ventures. By integrating local governance with community participation, the program seeks to ensure long-term sustainability and equitable resource distribution. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is working closely with regional authorities to facilitate the program's rollout. Key challenges include ensuring adequate infrastructure, securing funding, and providing technical training to local farmers. Initial pilot projects in several provinces have shown promising results, with early adopters reporting increased income and improved food security. However, scaling these successes nationwide requires coordinated effort and sustained investment. Looking ahead, the success of the Thematic Aquaculture Program will depend on its ability to balance environmental considerations with economic growth. Sustainable aquaculture practices must be prioritized to prevent ecological degradation. Furthermore, ongoing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be crucial to adapt the program based on real-world outcomes. With the goal of achieving 40,000 thematic fish farming sites by 2029, the government is positioning itself to make a significant contribution to both national food security and rural development.