Susi Pudjiastuti's Suggestion: Turn Caught Plecostomus Fish into Feed and Fertiliser

Former Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Indonesia, Susi Pudjiastuti, has offered suggestions to Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung on disposing of caught plecostomus fish after the burial method was criticised by the MUI. Susi proposed that the caught plecostomus fish be turned into fish or livestock feed, or even fertiliser.

“Make it into fish feed or livestock feed, grind it to make fish pellets,” said Susi when contacted on Monday (20/4/2026).

In addition, Susi mentioned that the catch of plecostomus fish could be used as fertiliser. The method, she said, involves cutting the plecostomus fish and burying it in agricultural land.

“Or it can be used as plant fertiliser, send the plant fertiliser to plantations, chop it up and bury it in agricultural land,” she stated.

Furthermore, Susi conveyed that plecostomus fish 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.

MUI’s Spotlight

Previously, the Secretary of the MUI Fatwa Commission, Miftahul Huda, stated that there is the principle of rahmatan lil ’alamin and the principle of animal welfare or kesrawan (animal welfare). He explained that from a sharia perspective, killing animals is permitted if it brings goodness. However, burying them alive involves an element of torture.

“That method is considered to cause unnecessary suffering,” said Miftah, quoted from the MUI Digital page, Sunday (19/4).

Miftah also touched on the issue from the perspective of animal welfare ethics. Burying alive is considered inhumane and does not minimise suffering.

However, he stated that the Jakarta Provincial Government’s policy to control plecostomus fish is good because it is to protect the environment. Since plecostomus fish itself can damage the ecosystem.

“That aligns with maqāṣid syariah, which falls into the category of modern ecological ḍharūriyyāt,” he said.