East Kalimantan Fresh Fish Exports to China Reach 56 Tonnes per Month

The East Kalimantan Marine and Fisheries Office (DKP) has recorded that the opening of direct cargo flights has successfully boosted the volume of fresh fishery exports to Wenzhou, China, to 56 tonnes per month. Irma Listiawati, Head of Aquaculture and Fisheries Product Competitiveness at DKP Kaltim, explained in Samarinda on Monday that time efficiency is crucial for the capture and aquaculture business, especially for live and fresh commodities. “This direct flight is very important to maintain the freshness of our region’s prime marine products until they arrive in the destination country. For now, East Kalimantan’s fishery export flights to China are solely focused on Wenzhou city,” Irma stated. The dedicated export cargo air service has been officially operating since 14 May 2026 via Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport in Balikpapan, with regular flights scheduled twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. Each flight can carry between 7 and 12 tonnes of commodities. This direct route eliminates domestic transit, which previously consumed time and risked reducing the quality of perishable goods. Commodities dominating this air freight route include high-value fresh products such as eels, mud crabs, and various fresh fish. Meanwhile, for frozen fishery products like black tiger shrimp and pink shrimp, DKP Kaltim continues to rely on sea freight distribution using refrigerated containers. The smooth export activity is supported by the active role and consistency of local businesses. DKP Kaltim acknowledged the strategic partnership with regional exporters, including CV 3A and PT Atlas Agung Abadi, who remain committed to maintaining the supply chain of the region’s leading commodities to meet stringent international market standards. According to Irma, the cumulative foreign trade performance of East Kalimantan’s fishery sector early this year has been very promising. Throughout January to May 2026, the total export volume of fishery products from the province reached 1,262 tonnes, with an accumulated economic value of Rp230 billion. Of this total, black tiger shrimp remains the province’s top export commodity, recording a shipment volume of 769.9 tonnes and contributing sales value of Rp173.3 billion. The successful optimisation of the direct flight route and the strength of the frozen shrimp market further reinforce East Kalimantan’s strategic position as a globally competitive major fishery hub in Eastern Indonesia.