KKP Facilitates First Tuna Export from Maluku to Thailand Worth Over IDR 1 Billion
This is a concrete step taken alongside local governments to support economic growth by expanding export destinations.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has facilitated the maiden export of fishery products from Maluku fishermen to Thailand, consisting of 11 tonnes of frozen tuna loin valued at more than Rp1 billion, as part of efforts to expand the export destinations for Indonesian fishery products.
“This is a concrete step taken by us alongside local governments to support economic growth through the expansion of export destination countries,” said the Acting Head of the Agency for the Control and Supervision of Fishery Product Quality (KKP Quality Agency), Ishartini, in a press statement in Jakarta on Friday.
The inaugural export was carried out through Yos Sudarso Port in Ambon, Maluku, on Thursday (2/7).
She explained that the fishery products exported to Thailand have met international quality and food safety requirements through the Fishery Product Quality and Safety Certificate (SMKHP) issued by the KKP.
According to her, this certification is recognised by Codex Alimentarius, the international organisation that establishes food quality and safety standards, thereby serving as a guarantee that Indonesian fishery products are safe for consumption and meet the requirements of the destination country.
“The quality and safety of fishery products are key factors in the acceptability of products in export destination countries,” she said.
Ishartini stated that strengthening the quality assurance system is part of the government’s strategy to increase competitiveness while expanding export market access for national fishery products.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Maluku Provincial Industry and Trade Office, Ahmad Jais Ely, expressed hope that this first export would serve as a momentum to increase the sale of Maluku’s fishery products in the international market.
“Upon departure, the Fishery Product Quality and Safety Certificate (SMKHP) was handed over as a mandatory document for entry into the Thai market,” he said.
The KKP emphasised that the quality assurance system is one of the primary factors in increasing the acceptability of Indonesian fishery products in the global market.
Strengthening quality assurance from upstream to downstream is considered essential to encourage product diversification and the expansion of export destinations, ensuring that Indonesian fishery products possess higher competitiveness in the international market.