Waingapu shrimp exports projected to reach Rp4.85 trillion annually

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The development of an integrated shrimp pond in Waingapu, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), is projected to contribute foreign exchange earnings of up to US$285 million or approximately Rp4.85 trillion per year through exports, according to officials from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).

Head of the Marine and Fisheries Human Resources Extension and Development Agency (BPPSDMKP) Nyoman Radiarta, during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, stated that the projection is based on an initial study by the Centre for Marine and Fisheries Socio-Economics.

He added that from a total investment of Rp7.2 trillion, the Waingapu shrimp pond is also estimated to increase East Sumba’s Regional Gross Domestic Product (PDRB) by 34.7%, from around Rp7.8 trillion to Rp10.5 trillion.

“The economic value of the shrimp reaches Rp3.38 trillion per year,” he said.

In addition, Nyoman stated that the project has the potential to absorb around 8,820 workers, both in the construction and operational phases.

The local wage circulation is estimated to reach Rp260 billion per year, he continued.

According to him, the social impact generated is also significant, including improving welfare for 35,280 souls of workers including their families.

“This pond has the potential to lift 55% of the poor population out of structural poverty,” he said.

The Waingapu shrimp pond area is located in Palakahembi Village and Watumbaka Sub-district, Pandawal District, East Sumba Regency, NTT.

This strategic project is expected to become a model for sustainable shrimp farming with the implementation of best aquaculture practices.

The project is developed with the Integrated Shrimp Farming (ISF) concept, and this area includes the construction of upstream to downstream facilities such as seawater intake, main reservoirs, cultivation ponds, wastewater treatment installations (IPAL), supporting industrial facilities, as well as the procurement of equipment and machinery.

With a land area of around 2,150 hectares and a built-up area of 1,361 hectares, the Waingapu ISF area is projected to produce 52,000 tonnes of shrimp per year.

The investment requirement reaches US$500 million or approximately Rp7.2 trillion, consisting of Rp6.1 trillion from foreign loans and Rp1.1 trillion in pure rupiah companion funds (RMP).

The government targets this project to be fully completed in three years.