Waingapu shrimp pond targeted to start operations next year
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is targeting the integrated shrimp pond area in Waingapu, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), to begin operations in 2027.
The Director General of Aquaculture at KKP, Tb Haeru Rahayu, stated that the construction of the Waingapu shrimp pond is actually targeted to be completed in three years. However, some units are expected to be operational by 2027.
“Insyaallah, next year some will already be able to start production,” he said during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The man familiarly known as Tebe explained that the expanse of land, previously savannah, is now being arranged into pond plots.
The latest documentation as of 31 March 2026 shows that several heavy machines are already operating at the site.
“Technically, this pond is designed with the best standards so that the results are not only shrimp harvests, but also the sustainability of the integrated pond programme,” said Tebe.
The Waingapu shrimp pond area is located in Palakahembi Village and Watumbaka Ward, Pandawal District, East Sumba Regency, NTT.
Tebe mentioned that 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, encompassing 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 counterpart funds (RMP).
The government hopes this project will serve as a real example of collaboration between the centre, regions, the private sector, and local communities in driving marine economic growth.