The tuna fisheries business has immense potential. As a highly migratory fish that is in high demand in international markets, tuna has become a major commodity with steadily increasing demand. The rapidly growing global tuna market, which sometimes exceeds capacity, drives the industry’s growth year after year. The high global demand has caused tuna prices to soar, making this product increasingly valuable in the eyes of consumers.
As one of the largest tuna-producing countries in the world, Indonesia holds a strategic position in dominating the international tuna market. According to official data from FAO in the 2016 SOFIA report, approximately 7.7 million metric tons of tuna and similar species were caught globally. In the same year, Indonesia contributed more than 16% of global production, with an average production of tuna, skipjack, and mackerel reaching over 1.2 million tons per year. In 2017 alone, Indonesia’s tuna export volume reached 198,131 tons, with a value of 569.99 million USD.
Tuna comes in various types, such as bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna, albacore, skipjack tuna, and southern bluefin tuna. Additionally, tuna is a popular choice due to its high nutritional content. It is rich in protein, vitamins A, D, B6, B12, and essential minerals. The omega-3 content in tuna is also higher compared to chicken and beef, which helps maintain cholesterol levels and heart health. Tuna is not only an economical choice for consumers but also can help address the malnutrition problem that still exists in Indonesia.
The economic value of the tuna trade in Indonesia is significant, making it a continuous opportunity to be leveraged. However, it is crucial to ensure the sustainability of this industry. The Indonesian government is committed to supporting the conservation and management of tuna resources through integrated national fisheries management.
A national tuna management plan has been developed to implement standards and regulations adopted from Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), where Indonesia actively participates in the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT), and Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC).
During the second Bali Tuna Conference (BTC), the Indonesian government identified priorities for tuna fisheries management, focusing on improving production data, the tuna vessel registration system, and the development and implementation of electronic monitoring and reporting systems. These efforts aim to address traceability issues and enhance the effectiveness of tuna fisheries management.
The government is also working with the fishing industry to protect tuna habitats. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has launched various strategic policies and programs to achieve sustainable tuna fisheries management, which is expected to improve the welfare of tuna fishing communities.
Support from the Indonesian Pole & Line and Handline Fisheries Association (AP2HI) and the International Pole and Line Foundation (IPNLF) further strengthens the competitiveness of Indonesia’s tuna market on the global stage. The government continues to encourage the tuna fishing industry to obtain certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which, in addition to enhancing competitiveness, also supports fishery sustainability, market security, and the reputation of Indonesian tuna products.
The government continues to urge industry players to catch tuna with consideration for sustainability principles, traceability to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and accountability in responsible management. In doing so, Indonesia demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the sustainability and preservation of tuna habitats.