Indonesia drives tilapia aquaculture and palm‑oil downstream reforms

CEO Rico Wisnu Wibisono of FisTx Indonesia proposes reviving about 78,000 hectares of idle north‑Java ponds for tilapia farming. Using high‑salinity‑tolerant strains and AI‑based precision aquaculture, the plan could add 450,000–600,000 tonnes of fish a year, cut feed conversion from 1.6 to 1.2, and raise Indonesia’s share in the global tilapia market. “Nila adalah mahakarya biologis yang selama ini kita remehkan,” he said, noting the potential to lift coastal farmer incomes and generate downstream industry value.

Separately, Mohammad Faisal, executive director of the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia, calls for a clear policy shift to turn the country from the world’s top palm‑oil producer into the hub of palm‑oil downstream processing. He stresses the need for fiscal incentives, regulatory support and investment to expand high‑value palm‑oil derivatives, create jobs and reduce dependence on imports. “Sejauh ini Indonesia sudah mendorong hilirisasi kelapa sawit,” Faisal said, urging stronger government direction to accelerate the sector’s transformation.