Maluku Quarantine Agency Oversees First Frozen Tuna Export to Thailand

The Maluku Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency (BKHIT) is overseeing the first export of frozen tuna from PT Jayawi Ambon Internasional to Thailand, aiming to propel the region’s flagship commodities into the global market. BKHIT Maluku Head Willy Indra Yunan stated in Ambon on Wednesday that the agency, together with the Maluku Province Export Acceleration Team, provided full assistance to ensure the entire export process complied with regulations and met the destination country’s standards. “BKHIT Maluku is committed to providing the best service and assistance to business actors. We ensure that every commodity transported meets sanitary standards and the requirements of the destination country, so that Maluku’s superior products gain greater trust and competitiveness in the global market,” he said. He explained that the first export of frozen tuna to Thailand was the result of synergy between BKHIT Maluku, the Maluku Provincial Industry and Trade Office, the Ambon Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office (KPPBC), and the Ambon Marine and Fisheries Product Quality Control and Supervision Agency (BPPMHKP). According to Willy, BKHIT’s role in export activities is not only to issue quarantine documents but also to ensure that the fishery commodities to be shipped meet the aspects of fish health, food safety, and technical requirements set by the destination country. In addition, BKHIT conducts inspections, supervision, and health certification for fishery products to be exported to guarantee quality and safety during international trade. “Through strict supervision and certification, we ensure that fishery products from Maluku meet international standards. This is important to maintain market trust and open up wider export opportunities,” he said. He added that cross-agency collaboration within the Export Acceleration Team is a crucial factor in speeding up the export service process, from fulfilling sanitary standards and technical requirements of the destination country to smooth customs procedures. This first export of frozen tuna to Thailand is considered a strategic step for PT Jayawi Ambon Internasional, while also opening opportunities for other fishery businesses to expand their markets to various countries. Based on fisheries sector data, the export value of Maluku’s fishery products in 2025 reached USD 54.30 million, an increase from USD 44.79 million in 2024. Of this achievement, tuna commodities, particularly Frozen Yellowfin Tuna Loin, fillets, and various processed tuna products, are the second largest foreign exchange contributors in the non-living fishery commodity group after vannamei shrimp. To date, tuna products from Maluku have penetrated several major world 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 a national fishery export hub. Willy said the increase in fishery export value demonstrates the importance of strengthening the quarantine system and quality control in maintaining 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 fast, professional quarantine services that meet international standards,” he said.