Tiger Prawns: A Coastal Mainstay Commodity Penetrating the Global Market
Samarinda (ANTARA) - East Kalimantan is not only known as a province with vast forests and an energy producer, both coal and oil and gas, but also holds marine and coastal wealth that forms the backbone of the local economy. Among the various aquatic products, tiger prawns have emerged as the main star, capable of penetrating the global market and generating foreign exchange. Export data for the period January-May 2026 shows the importance of this commodity, while proving that well-managed natural potential can improve people’s welfare without sacrificing environmental sustainability.
According to Irma Listiawati, Head of the Aquaculture and Fisheries Product Competitiveness Strengthening Division at the East Kalimantan Marine and Fisheries Service (DKP Kaltim), in the first five months of 2026 alone, the export volume of tiger prawns reached 769.9 tonnes with an economic value of Rp173.3 billion. This figure places tiger prawns as the dominant commodity, contributing more than half of the province’s total fisheries export value. Tiger prawns are a mainstay because of their globally recognised quality. The flesh is firm, has a natural sweet taste, and is cultivated with high hygiene standards, making it highly sought after by buyers from various countries.
Besides tiger prawns, there are four other commodities that strengthen East Kalimantan’s position in the global market: pink prawns recorded shipments of 239.2 tonnes worth Rp31.6 billion, followed by fresh grouper at 89.3 tonnes (Rp7.4 billion), fresh white pomfret at 59.7 tonnes (Rp6.7 billion), and white prawns at 27.7 tonnes with a value of Rp4.7 billion. Overall, East Kalimantan’s fishery products are now distributed to 12 main destination countries, with the most stable and largest markets being four countries: Japan, the United States, China, and Malaysia.
To ensure products arrive in fresh and high-quality condition, the regional government together with business operators provides fast distribution channels. One breakthrough is a direct cargo flight service from Balikpapan to Wenzhou, China, operated twice a week by Rimbun aircraft. According to Irma, this rapid delivery is crucial for maintaining the quality of fresh products such as prawns, fish, and crabs, so their selling value remains high when they reach consumers.