Fishery developments in Indonesia and Malaysia

Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has entered into a cooperation agreement with China to enhance national fishery production and improve the skills of Indonesian fish vessel crews. Under the Technical Cooperation Guidelines (TCG) scheme, 33 Indonesian-flagged fishing vessels are operating in the Arafura Sea (WPPNRI 718), involving 669 workers. The program aims to produce approximately 9,500 tons of fish annually and is projected to contribute roughly Rp 65 billion in non-tax state revenue. The initiative focuses on fleet modernization, economic development in coastal areas, and providing crew members with health and employment insurance.

In Malaysia, the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) has launched the BAHTERA 2026 initiative to strengthen the national fishery marketing chain. The program, which held its first launch in Pahang, aims to shorten marketing chains and reduce reliance on middlemen by connecting producers, marketers, and consumers directly. The initiative features specialized zones for fresh products, processing, and culinary arts, offering consumers potential savings of 10 to 30 percent on seafood products.