Indonesia seizes 1,048 tons of imported shrimp to protect domestic farmers

The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has seized 1,048 tons of imported shrimp across several areas in East Java. The commodities, originating from Canada, Argentina, and Ecuador, were reportedly intended for re-export through bonded zones but were allegedly diverted into the domestic market.

Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono stated that the enforcement action aims to protect approximately 3 million domestic shrimp farmers. He emphasized that illegal imports threaten the livelihoods of local producers and undermine Indonesia's goal of becoming a major shrimp exporter, noting that the country's shrimp export value is nearly US$2 billion.

In response to the seizure, Johan Rosihan, a member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has called on the KKP to provide transparency regarding the legal basis and inspection procedures used during the operation. Rosihan urged the ministry to ensure that law enforcement is conducted according to legal procedures to avoid negative impacts on workers, suppliers, and the regional economy.