Attends Modern Shrimp Harvest in Kebumen, Prabowo Says It Is Very Promising
PRESIDENT Prabowo Subianto attended the large-scale shrimp harvest and simultaneously reviewed the sorting process of the harvest in the Shrimp Farming Based on Regional Development (BUBK) area in Kebumen, Central Java, on Saturday (23 May). In the fishing area covering around 100 hectares, the President directly witnessed the harvesting of vannamei shrimp through to the sorting stage before production is marketed. He also inspected the modern pond management system implemented in the area. The Kebumen BUBK development uses best-practice modern shrimp farming with an integrated management system, spanning from water intake channels, holding ponds, separation of inflow and outflow water channels, production ponds, wastewater treatment installations (IPAL), to various supporting facilities.
President Prabowo expressed optimism about the potential of the national shrimp farming sector after witnessing the harvest cycle now in its eighth cycle. “So, it is very promising. I was given a report that 1 hectare can produce 40 tons, amazing 40 tons indeed, and the price is very good—the price is 70,000 rupiah per kilo. That means per ton 70 million rupiah,” the President explained. The Kebumen BUBK area is assessed as making a significant economic contribution. With a total of 206 pond plots, production value is estimated at around Rp67.2 billion per harvest cycle and has the potential to reach Rp134.4 billion per year. The area also employs hundreds of local workers.
The President noted that the government is currently developing a similar project with a larger capacity in Waingapu, East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. He stated that Kebumen BUBK serves as an example of transforming traditional ponds into a modern, technology-based system with better environmental management. “So this is very good, very productive. The employment opportunities now are 650 local workers and we have already built 2,000 hectares in Waingapu,” added President Prabowo.
The government places the shrimp commodity as one of the national strategic sectors because it is deemed to contribute significantly to food security while offering great opportunities to enhance Indonesia’s seafood export competitiveness on the international market. Through the management of modern ponds and the application of Good Aquaculture Practices, as applied in Kebumen BUBK, Indonesian shrimp is believed to have the potential to become a sustainable source of foreign exchange for the national economy. This harvest visit also reinforces President Prabowo’s commitment to developing the maritime and fisheries sector. Previously, the pond area had been reviewed by Prabowo during his tenure as Defence Minister. (H-3)
President Prabowo Subianto emphasised his commitment to stopping the leakage of state wealth and strengthening food sovereignty for the welfare of the Indonesian people. The 100-hectare pond area has the potential to generate Rp134.4 billion per year and absorb hundreds of local workers.
Two residents of Sidogede Village, Kebumen, died after falling into a well. A joint search and rescue team took two hours to evacuate due to the narrow and deep terrain.
SENTRA Pelayanan Pangan Gizi (SPPG) Kebumen Police ensures that every MBG food item to be distributed to beneficiaries goes through a rapid test.
Pekal Kebumen Regency tightens food safety standards in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG). As of now, only three SPPG possess SLHS.
IWAKK Walet Emas Muda embodies regional pride, the proximity of the tribe, or origin of a person that can unite individuals in one vision.
In 2024, Kebumen’s poverty rate stood at 15.71%. In 2025, that figure declined to 13.58%.