Susi Pudjiastuti Suggests Processing Sailfin Catfish into Fertiliser and Animal Feed

Former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti has proposed that sailfin catfish catches in Jakarta be processed into fish or livestock feed. This suggestion comes in the wake of criticism from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) regarding the destruction of sailfin catfish by burying them alive. “Just make it into fish feed or livestock feed, grind it and turn it into fish pellets,” said Susi, quoted by detikcom on Monday (20/4). Susi also mentioned that the catch of sailfin catfish could be used as fertiliser. The method, she said, involves cutting the sailfin catfish and burying them in agricultural land. “Or it can be used as plant fertiliser, send it to plantations, chop it up and bury it in agricultural land,” she stated. Susi added that sailfin catfish waste could also be given to crab farmers or crocodile farmers. “Or give it to crab farmers after freezing it, or crocodile farmers,” she added. Secretary of the MUI Fatwa Commission, Miftahul Huda, previously emphasised the principle of rahmatan lil ’alamin and the principle of animal welfare or kesrawan (animal welfare) regarding the mass destruction of sailfin catfish in Jakarta. He explained that from a Sharia perspective, killing animals is permitted if it brings benefits. However, burying them alive involves an element of torture. “That method is considered to cause unnecessary suffering,” said Miftah, quoted from the MUI Digital website on Sunday (19/4). Miftah also touched on the issue from the perspective of animal welfare ethics. Burying alive is seen as inhumane and does not minimise suffering. However, he noted that the Jakarta Provincial Government’s policy to control sailfin catfish is good because it protects the environment. Since sailfin catfish can damage the ecosystem themselves. “That aligns with maqāṣid syariah, which falls into the category of modern ecological ḍharūriyyāt,” he said. In response to this, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that he would seek input from experts who understand Sharia regarding the procedures for burying animals. “Regarding the earlier question, there are suggestions and criticism from MUI, later I will ask the experts to adjust the procedures,” said Pramono in South Jakarta. He explained that the policy of capturing sailfin catfish is carried out because their population in Jakarta’s waters has become dominant. According to him, the presence of these fish has disrupted the balance of the ecosystem. “Indeed, sailfin catfish in Jakarta’s water biota is already more than 60 percent. Even KKP reported more than 70 percent, but I stated more than 60 percent,” he said.