Indonesian fisheries production and export trends

Indonesia is experiencing growth in its fisheries sector, marked by significant export values and increased production. During the first half of 2026, fisheries exports reached $3 billion, totaling 566,250 tons. These products were shipped to 152 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, with key commodities including whiteleg shrimp, seaweed, tuna, and various crab species.

By the second quarter of 2026, national fisheries production rose to 6.78 million tons. This includes 1.79 million tons from capture fisheries, representing an increase from the first quarter. This growth is being supported by a government initiative to modernize the national fleet through the domestic construction of 1,582 modern fishing vessels by 2028.

Despite economic gains, domestic and security challenges remain. Issues such as low monthly incomes for fishermen and product spoilage due to inadequate cold chain management persist. Furthermore, experts have emphasized the need for a unified national maritime surveillance system. While agencies currently utilize radar, Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), there is a critical need to integrate this data to improve early warning capabilities and operational decision-making in Indonesia’s vast waters.