Maluku Quarantine Agency Oversees First Frozen Tuna Export to Thailand
Ambon (ANTARA) - The Maluku Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency (BKHIT) is overseeing the acceleration of the first export of frozen tuna commodities owned by PT Jayawi Ambon Internasional to Thailand, as part of an effort to drive regional flagship commodities into the global market.
The Head of BKHIT Maluku, Willy Indra Yunan, stated in Amlar on Wednesday that his agency, alongside the Maluku Province Export Acceleration Team, is providing full assistance to ensure the entire export process complies with regulations and meets the standards of the destination country.
“BKHIT Maluku is committed to providing the best service and assistance for business actors. We ensure that every commodity being transported meets sanitation standards and the requirements of the destination country, so that Maluku’s flagship products become increasingly trusted and competitive in the global market,” he said.
He explained that the first export of frozen tuna to Thailand is the result of synergy between BKHIT Maluku, the Maluku Provincial Department of Industry and Trade, the Ambon Customs and Excise Office (KPPBC), and the Ambon Marine and Fisheries Quality Control and Supervision Agency (BPPMHKP).
According to Willy, the role of BKHIT in export activities is not only to issue quarantine documents but also to ensure that the fishery commodities to be sent meet fish health aspects, food safety, and the technical requirements set by the destination country.
Furthermore, BKHIT conducts inspections, supervision, and health certification of fishery products intended for export to guarantee the quality and safety of the commodities during the international trade process.
“Through strict supervision and certification, we ensure that fishery products from Maluku meet international standards. This is vital for maintaining market trust and opening wider export opportunities,” he noted.
He added that cross-agency collaboration within the Export Acceleration Team is a crucial factor in speeding up export service processes, ranging from meeting sanitation standards and technical requirements of the destination country to the smooth execution of customs procedures.
This inaugural export of frozen tuna to Thailand is considered a strategic step for PT Jayawi Ambon Internasional and simultaneously opens opportunities for other fishery entrepreneurs to expand their markets to various countries.
Based on fisheries sector data, the export value of fishery products from Maluku Province in 2025 reached 54.30 million USD, an increase compared to 2024, which stood at 44.79 million USD.
From this achievement, tuna commodities—specifically Frozen Yellowfin Tuna Loin, fillets, and various processed tuna products—have become the second largest contributor to foreign exchange in the non-live fishery commodity group, following Vannamei shrimp.
To date, tuna products from Maluku have penetrated several major global markets, including the United States, China, Japan, and Vietnam. The addition of Thailand as a new export destination is expected to further strengthen Maluku’s position as one of the nation’s fishery export centres.
Willy stated that the increase in fishery export value demonstrates the importance of strengthening quarantine systems and quality supervision to maintain the reputation of Maluku’s fishery products in the international market.
“With abundant fishery resource potential, Maluku has a great opportunity to continue increasing exports. BKHIT Maluku will continue to support business actors through quarantine services that are fast, professional, and in accordance with international standards,” he said.