Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said research and development on lobster cultivation had been underway for nearly two years.
“This success is the first step toward building Indonesia’s strength in the fisheries and marine sectors,” he said at the event. The first harvest produced about 1.7 tons, valued at 400,000 rupiah ($25.60) per kilogram.
He added that Indonesia has strong potential due to its abundant natural supply of lobster seeds.
“The global seafood market is projected to reach $414 billion, while Indonesia’s exports stand at only about $5 billion. We have enormous opportunities in Batam and the Riau Islands,” Trenggono said.
The inaugural harvest yielded 6,000 lobsters across three varieties: sand, bamboo and pearl.
Related news: Indonesia's lobster farming potential to reach US$53 billion in 2030
The event was attended by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Commission IV Chair of the House of Representatives Titiek Soeharto.
Gibran stressed the need to involve local stakeholders in developing the blue economy and to expedite finalization of a presidential regulation to curb lobster seed smuggling.
“Our lobster survival rate is already 80%. We just need to scale it up and replicate the model in other regions,” he said.
Titiek praised the ministry’s progress, saying lobster grow-out technology provides significant added value.
“Foreign cooperation must focus on grow-out in Indonesia to create jobs and boost foreign exchange,” she said.
Through the program, the ministry aims to develop lobster cultivation for both export and domestic markets, while supporting fishermen, coastal communities and the local fishing industry.
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Translator: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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