Indonesia will launch a nationwide aquaculture development program across 40,000 villages starting in 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen food security, increase rural incomes, and boost seafood exports.
According to Indonesia’s state news agency Antara, Director General of Aquaculture Haeru Rahayu said the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is coordinating the initiative with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Villages, and regional governments.
Rahayu said the program is separate from the Red and White Fishing Villages initiative, which focuses on developing the country’s capture fisheries sector.
He noted that expanding aquaculture in rural areas will help increase the production of protein-rich food, improve community livelihoods, and support the growth of Indonesia’s seafood exports.
The program was highlighted by Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan following a meeting with Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono in Jakarta on 21 July.
Hasan said the aquaculture initiative, together with the Red and White Fishing Villages program, supports President Prabowo Subianto’s goal of expanding Indonesia’s food self-sufficiency beyond carbohydrate-based commodities.
He added that the government aims to meet domestic demand while expanding seafood exports, with the long-term objective of positioning Indonesia as a leading global producer of fish and shrimp.
The aquaculture program will include the farming of various fish species, with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries supplying fingerlings to participating communities.
