Acting Director General of Marine and Fisheries Products, Machmud, highlighted that fish, shellfish, and seaweed contain essential nutrients for children's growth, especially during the first 1,000 days of life.
"Blue foods are a food source rich with nutrients, especially omega-3, which is needed for brain and fetal development," he noted in an official statement in Jakarta on Monday.
The official pointed out that Indonesia has vast potential to fully capitalize on blue foods, owing to its 6.4 million square kilometers of maritime area and a coastline stretching 108 thousand kilometers nationwide.
He also cited a report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicating that aquaculture seafood achieves an edible yield of 68 percent, far surpassing other farmed animal protein sources.
Furthermore, Machmud emphasized that measures aimed at boosting blue food productivity must be complemented with efforts to build public awareness of the perks of consuming aquatic foods.
In this regard, he said that the government has moved to promote fish consumption during the momentum of National Fish Day, annually observed on November 21. The ministry celebrated the day with an event held on Sunday (November 23) as part of efforts to increase the appeal of fish as a protein source.
Muhammad Mawardi, Secretary of the Deputy for Maritime Resource Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Food, confirmed that the government has incorporated blue foods into its strategy for enhancing the nation's nutritional intake.
"We also provide support for aquatic food supply chains and aim to put a lid on food waste and food losses," he said.
Meanwhile, Assistant Deputy for Nutrition Improvement and Stunting Prevention at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Jelsi Natalia Marampa, asserted that blue foods play a crucial role in addressing undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies.
"Fish are a high-quality source of animal protein that is rich in micronutrients and omega-3, which are important for intelligence development and stunting prevention," she said.
Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono earlier stated that the government continues to promote the Community Fish-Eating Movement (Gemarikan), with the dual objectives of improving public health and enhancing the welfare of fishermen and aquaculturists.
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Translator: Ida N, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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