Mimika Karaka Crabs Reach Malaysia and Singapore, Boosting Export Opportunities for SMEs
Premium fishery products from Mimika Regency have penetrated the international market. A total of 4,290 kilograms of locally caught karaka crabs were exported to Malaysia and Singapore by PT Hokky Laut Perkasa, with a foreign exchange value reaching Rp 186.4 million.
This accomplishment brings positive news to the community and fishery business actors in Mimika, as it demonstrates the high demand from the global market for marine commodities originating from the area. Based on data up to early May 2026, the total export of live mangrove crabs from Mimika has reached 19,245 kilograms, with an economic value of Rp 1.05 billion.
This figure nearly matches the total export achievements throughout 2025, even though 2026 has only been running for five months. This increase also reflects the improving quality of products and the readiness of local business actors in meeting international export standards.
Mimika Regent Johannes Rettob stated that this export success opens up broader opportunities for the regional economy, particularly for SMEs and communities engaged in the fisheries sector.
“The local government is committed to providing full support through coaching, human resource training, and strengthening promotional access. We want SMEs in Mimika to continue developing in terms of quality and quantity to be able to compete at the international level,” he said.
In addition to providing economic impacts for the region, the export also expands business opportunities for fishermen, distributors, and SMEs processing marine products in Mimika. Easier access to foreign markets is expected to increase community income while strengthening the local economic chain based on regional potential.
On the other hand, assistance to business actors continues to be provided so that the export process is increasingly understood by the community. Through the KLIK-PACE (Export Clinic) programme, the Timika Customs Office provides assistance to SMEs and exporters, from identifying potential products, socialising export procedures, to assisting with document preparation and promotion.
Head of the Timika Customs Office, Yudi Amirullah, emphasised that Customs continues to strive to provide fast, easy, and transparent services to the community. “We want to ensure that this export is not just ceremonial, but the initial step to create more new exporters from Mimika who directly contribute to regional economic growth,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Special Region Customs Office of Papua, Encep Dudi Ginanjar, stated that the success of exporting fishery commodities from Mimika demonstrates the great economic potential of Papua if supported by strong collaboration between government, business actors, and the community.
“This export is expected to provide real benefits to the community, particularly in opening business opportunities, improving the welfare of fishermen and SMEs, and strengthening the competitiveness of Papua’s flagship products in the international market,” he said.