Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Drives Indonesian Super Red Arowana Into Global Markets
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) continues to promote the development of Indonesia’s ornamental fish sector, particularly the Super Red Arowana as a flagship commodity from West Kalimantan with competitive advantage in the international market. One such effort has been undertaken through support for the APPS International Arowana Contest 2026 held at Pontianak Convention Centre, West Kalimantan.
Sarmintohadi, Director of Species Conservation and Genetics at the KKP, stated that the event is expected to continue driving development of Indonesia’s ornamental fish sector whilst strengthening commitment to conservation and legal, sustainable trade.
“We hope this event can continue to drive development of Indonesia’s national ornamental fish sector whilst strengthening our commitment to conservation and legal, sustainable trade,” said Sarmintohadi in an official KKP statement in Jakarta.
According to him, the greatest achievement of this contest is not merely the quality of the arowana on display, but also the success in facilitating international collaboration between government, communities, business operators, and participants from various countries. This momentum is considered important for expanding the promotion of Indonesian Arowana in the global market.
This annual international-scale event featured 192 of the finest Super Red Arowana specimens from various countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The activity, organised by the Association of Arowana Breeders and Traders together with Mayin International, served as a platform for the international arowana community, business operators, and government to strengthen networks for legal and sustainable ornamental fish trade.
West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan appreciated the organisation of the international contest. She noted that West Kalimantan has advantages as the natural habitat of red arowana, known for having the finest quality.
“The beautiful red arowana found nowhere else except in West Kalimantan, specifically in Kapuas Hulu as its native habitat. Even if arowana exist elsewhere in West Kalimantan, they are not as beautiful as those in West Kalimantan,” said Ria Norsan.
Meanwhile, Koswara, Director General of Marine Resource Management at the KKP, emphasised that Super Red Arowana from West Kalimantan is one type of ornamental fish with high economic value in the international market.
“The characteristics of bright red colour, elegant body shape, and distinctive scale quality make this fish highly attractive and sought after by collectors and ornamental fish enthusiasts from various countries,” said Koswara.
He added that all arowana export activities must comply with national and international regulations as Super Red Arowana is a fully protected species falling under CITES Appendix I. Arowana trade is regulated through Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation Number 61 of 2018 and Ministerial Decree Number 1 of 2021.
“Strict supervision is conducted to ensure species conservation,” he said.
Beyond serving as an international competition platform, the APPS International Arowana Contest 2026 also functioned as a strategic vehicle for introducing Indonesia’s arowana potential to the world market. The enthusiasm of participants and the arowana community, together with support from various stakeholders, successfully delivered a contest that attracted widespread attention from ornamental fish enthusiasts both domestically and internationally.
Previously, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono emphasised the importance of sustainable management of marine and fishery resources capable of improving public welfare, including through strengthening Indonesia’s ornamental fish sector. The development of arowana commodities is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s export competitiveness whilst supporting species conservation efforts and habitat preservation on a sustainable basis.