Government to Develop Fish Farming in 40,000 Villages to Boost Protein Self-Sufficiency

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has announced that the government will develop fish farming in 40,000 villages as part of a strategic national agenda to strengthen protein self-sufficiency. The statement was made following a coordination meeting in Jakarta. Zulkifli Hasan explained that the government is shifting its food development focus from carbohydrate self-sufficiency to protein self-sufficiency, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives. The government aims not only to meet domestic protein needs but also to become a major exporter of fishery commodities, particularly fish and shrimp. To achieve this, two main programmes have been prepared: the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih and the development of thematic fish farming in 40,000 villages across Indonesia. The thematic village programme will be spread across various regions, tailored to local potential, and will not overlap with the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih locations. The initiative is expected to strengthen village-level independence in producing protein sources while driving community economic growth based on local potential. Zulkifli Hasan noted that the programme requires thorough preparation, comprehensive socialisation, and cross-ministerial coordination involving the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, the Ministry of Villages, and other relevant agencies. He cited the high demand for catfish from Saudi Arabia, which currently cannot be met optimally due to limited domestic farming capacity. The government will ensure that the types of fish cultivated are adjusted to market demand, with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries providing the necessary seed stock. The programme is set to commence as soon as possible, with a target for completion by 2029, aiming to accelerate the strengthening of the national fisheries sector and boost Indonesia’s exports.