Abdullah Agus Salim, a fish farmer in Cimahi, Sukabumi, said on Wednesday that while his group has approached various MBG kitchens, only one has so far agreed to include tilapia in their menu.
“We’ve offered our fish to multiple MBG kitchens. Some haven’t approved it, while others already use different types of fish. But we’re focusing on tilapia and want to supply them all,” he said during the “Digital Fisheries Technology Harvest” event.
Each production cycle of three months yields about 40 tons of tilapia. His group currently supplies 300–500 gram tilapia fillets to a single MBG kitchen in Sukabumi District.
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Salim noted that tilapia is harder to promote as a staple protein in MBG menus, especially compared to chicken, which is more widely accepted.
He hopes local governments will prioritize locally sourced food such as tilapia.
To improve productivity, his group uses Internet of Things (IoT)-based microbubble technology to increase oxygen levels in fish ponds, resulting in healthier fish and better growth.
“We’re now supplying about 400 kilograms of live tilapia per week to one kitchen,” he said, adding that the technology allows them to raise fish weighing up to one kilogram, boosting market potential.
Salim called for government support to include tilapia in MBG meals at least once a month. With 250 MBG kitchens in Sukabumi, monthly demand could reach 80 tons.
Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid said she would coordinate with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to help improve market access and support tilapia’s inclusion in MBG menus.
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Translator: Fitra, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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