Fisheries Country Profile: Indonesia 2025

2025 Information Updated

The Republic of Indonesia is located between Asia and Australia and bordered by the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The country comprises five main islands, namely: Sumatera, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua (Figure 1). The country has a total area of 5.18 million km², with 1,905 million km² of land and 3,257 million km² of water. With over 17,500 islands and 39 provinces, the population was 281.6 million in 2024. The primary employment sectors include agriculture, plantations, forestry, hunting, and fishing. About 70 % of Indonesia is made up of marine areas, making the fisheries sector a vital resource. With great potential for development, it can greatly benefit the nation and its people.

The optimization of the fisheries management is evident in its contribution to the national gross domestic product (GDP). In the third quarter of 2024, fisheries ranked second among five other subsectors, contributing 2.54 %, equivalent to IDR 407 trillion (USD 25 million). This was driven by the performance of all fisheries subsectors, including capture fisheries, aquaculture, and processing, which have implemented a blue economy approach. Additionally, the export activities of fishery products also contributed to this GDP growth, supported by the involvement and collaboration of multiple stakeholders.

In line with the increasing GDP achievements, fish consumption per capita in 2024 also rose compared to the previous year (see Annex Table A). Since 2019, the annual growth rate of fish consumption per capita has fluctuated between 0.1 % and 1 %. Launched in 2004, the GEMARIKAN (Gerakan Memasyarakatkan Makan Ikan) program has played a significant role in the annual increase of fish consumption in Indonesia. This national initiative promotes the importance of consuming fish from an early age. Additionally, the program has been effective in reducing stunting in various regions of the country. (KampungKB BKKBN, 2023).

In managing fisheries activities, the government provides protection to various types of business actors. This protection is outlined in Law Number 7 of 2016 and extends to fishers, fish farmers, and salt farmers. Fisherfolk are categorized into several groups, including small-scale fishers, traditional fishers, labor fishers, and fleet owners. Fish farmers are classified as small-scale fish farmers, cultivators, and landowners. Similarly, salt farmers include small-scale salt farmers, cultivators, and pond owners.

In the capture fisheries sector, fishing operations are typically categorized into small-scale and commercial fisheries. Small-scale fishers are individuals who rely on fishing to meet their daily needs. This group includes both those who fish without vessels and those who use fishing vessels with a maximum size of 5 GT, as defined by Law Number 45 of 2009. Under quota-based fisheries regulations, small-scale fishers are entitled to industrial quotas and local fishermen quotas, based on the authority granted by the issuer of their fishing vessel permit. In 2023, small-scale fisheries dominated more than half of the number of fishing business actors, consisting of fishers without boats to fishing boats with sizes up to 5 GT. Based on its authority, the ship permit issued by the central government is 30 GT and above and is entitled to an industrial quota in accordance with the quota-based fisheries regulations.

Fishing Areas

The fisheries sector of Indonesia extends beyond just fishing and cultivation in marine and inland waters. It also encompasses post-harvest activities, such as processing and marketing, which are crucial for enhancing the economy and promoting development within the sector. Fisheries governance is implemented across all aspects to ensure that fisheries production increases not only in volume but also in quality. Consequently, ongoing innovation through new policies and programs aims to optimize marine and fishery resources in Indonesia.

To manage large marine and fishery resources, the Government of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), has established the country’s water zones into 11 fisheries management areas (Wilayah Pengelolaan Perikanan Negara Republik Indonesia – WPPNRI) (Figure 2 and Table 1). This territorial division facilitates regulating fishing and aquaculture practices within the country under the Government Regulation Number 11 of 2023 and implemented since early 2025. With the issuance of government regulations, quota-based fisheries management is determined to maintain the sustainability of fish resources and the environment, and encourage equitable economic growth.  The 11 fisheries areas are divided into six zones that allocate quotas for industrial fishing, local fishers, and non-commercial fishing activities. This quota division establishes the boundaries of the fishing areas and identifies the business entities authorized to engage in fishing activities. The roles of both central and local governments are crucial in regulating licenses for small-scale and commercial fishers.

Table 1. Fisheries management areas of Indonesia (Government Regulation Number 11 of 2023, 2023)

Local governments have the authority to issue permits for vessels measuring between 5 GT and 30 GT that operate within 12 nm. In contrast, the central government is responsible for issuing permits for vessels exceeding 30 GT that operate beyond 12 nm. Under this regulation, small-scale fishers with vessels under 30 GT are still allowed to fish beyond 12 nm, but they should transfer their permits to the central government authorities. In this designated zone, fishing activities are categorized into three lanes (Jalur Penangkapan Ikan), in addition to the high seas. The specifications for these fishing lanes are as Fishing Lane IA (0–2 nm), Fishing Lane IB (> 2–4 nm), Fishing Lane II (> 4–12 nm), and Fishing Lane III (> 12 nm).

For inland waters, the government has designated specific areas of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, swamps, and other bodies of water as Wilayah Pengelolaan Perikanan Negara Republik Indonesia Perairan Darat (WPPNRI PD). The management of this area encompasses fishing activities, fish farming, conservation efforts, research, and the development of the fisheries sector.

In addition to having a sizeable marine management area, Indonesia has aquaculture areas with various categories such as reservoir aquaculture, semi-intensive farms, rice-fish farming, marine floating net, seaweed, fast-flowing water pond, etc. In 2023, the total of fisheries and aquaculture areas based on the Portal Satu Data, MMAF of Indonesia, is 11,760,758.03 km² (see Annex Table B). Furthermore, through the Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 111 of 2023 on Aquaculture Village, the government has designated 210 locations spread across 34 provinces to be developed in stages according to the potential of certain commodities.

Fisheries Agency and Institution

In acknowledging the critical role of the fisheries sector, the Ministry of Marine Affairs (MMAF) and Fisheries was established in 1999. The MMAF comprises nine organizational units that operate collaboratively to fulfill their designated roles and responsibilities (Box). This structured approach underscores a commitment to the sustainable management of marine resources and promoting responsible practices within the fisheries sector. Coordinating and collaborating among these units is essential for addressing fisheries management’s multifaceted challenges and opportunities.

Box. Organizational units of the Ministry of Marine Affairs of Indonesia

To optimize the management of the fisheries sector, the MMAF is also supported by the Politeknik Ahli Usaha Perikanan campus (Politeknik AUP) in education. This institution aims to organize and develop education to produce exceptional human resources who can create and innovate. It focuses on conducting research to make commercial technological innovations for business and industry development, engaging in community service through training and mentoring, technology transfer, and incubation. It strives to produce disciplined, agile graduates and is well-prepared to serve the broader public in the marine and fisheries sectors. Technically and administratively, the institution operates under the responsibility of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.

Fisheries Laws and Regulations, and Policies

The management of marine and fishery resources in Indonesia is supported by laws, regulations, and policies relevant to the current context (Table 2). All regulations on fisheries management in Indonesia are expected to support the current priority government programs in the marine and fisheries sector in developing superior human resources, food self-sufficiency based on the blue economy, and sustainable marine infrastructure development. The Blue Economy programs are: 1) expanding marine conservation areas, 2) quota-based fisheries, 3) developing sustainable marine, freshwater, and brackish water aquaculture, 4) coastal and small island management and supervision, and 5) addressing marine plastic waste through fishers’ participation movements.

Table 2. Fisheries regulations of Indonesia

Fisheries Trade

 The Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 32 Regulation of 2024 regulates the country’s fishery product traceability system. The implementation of this regulation is mandatory according to global and domestic market demand. All fishery business actors, like fishers, cultivators, processors, traders, and marketers, must report all fishery products using the Sistem Ketertelusuran dan Logistik Ikan Nasional – STELINA application. STELINA is implemented across the entire supply chain, encompassing pre-production, production, distribution, processing, and marketing. It is applicable to businesses of all sizes—micro, small, medium, and large. This system also pertains to all marine and fishery products, whether they are sourced domestically or imported, and intended for the local market or for export. This application serves as a traceability system for fishery products by integrating various data sources related to the fisheries sector. It currently connects several applications, including e-PIT for fishing captures, the Sistem Informasi Pengelolaan Cold Storage (SIPCS) for managing fish storage, Trace Tales for fish processing, and the Sistem Informasi Aplikasi Pelayanan Mutu (SIAPMUTU) for ensuring the quality of export products, and other electronic data systems are also incorporated into this framework. Monitoring and evaluation are carried out by the Directorate General of Strengthening Competitiveness of Marine and Fisheries Products and the Directorate General of Aquaculture. In contrast, supervision and inspection are carried out by the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resource Surveillance. With this application, marine and fishery products in Indonesia can compete with local and international markets, increase transparency in marine and fishery business processes, and, as a means of managing the supply chain, ensure product quality and that it is safe and sustainable. Figure 3 shows the business process of STELINA in Indonesia.

Fishery Statistics

• Fishery Production

Fishery production in Indonesia has seen a steady increase from 2019 to 2023, as illustrated in Figure 4. Overall, this growth is primarily driven by the aquaculture sector, which has a production ratio of 1:2 compared to capture fisheries. One significant factor supporting the rise in aquaculture production during this period is the Kampung Budidaya program. This program is carried out by determining an area based on superior or local commodities by utilizing various potentials in the region. The goal is to encourage the development of competitive and sustainable fish farming businesses, maintain the sustainability of fishery resources, and empower local communities. This government initiative aims to meet global and domestic market demands by improving aquaculture technology and expanding land utilization (Humas Ditjen Perikanan Budidaya, 2023).

The marine capture fisheries production in Indonesia is dominated by the frigate tuna species, also known as kawakawa, followed by mackerel scads, skipjack tuna (Table 3). In addition to being consumed by many Indonesian people, this commodity is also widely exported in whole or processed form. Because it is considered a superior commodity, the government has made efforts to improve the quality and quantity of production to compete globally.

Table 3. Top ten marine capture fisheries species in Indonesia by quantity (t) in 2023 (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

In 2023, the frigate tuna, also known as kawakawa, continues to hold the top position among fish species produced in Indonesia, highlighting its significant commercial value. Following closely are shrimp and snapper, which also contribute to the country’s fishing industry. This ranking is illustrated in Table 4, reflecting the diverse aquatic resources that Indonesia offers and the importance of these species in both local and global markets.

Table 4. Top ten marine capture fisheries species in Indonesia by value (USD 1,000) in 2023 (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

Furthermore, for the top ten inland water commodities, snakeheads, tilapia, pangas catfish, and snakeskin gourami are the leading producers in 2023, followed by other types. Table 5 shows the general inland capture fisheries production that is mainly produced in Indonesia. Snakehead is in great demand by the public because of its taste and benefits for the food industry and pharmacy (Asfar et al., 2014). According to the data presented in Table 6, shrimp ranked fourth among high-value commodities for that year, highlighting its significant economic importance. This ranking reflects the market demand and profitability associated with shrimp, positioning it as a key player in the overall commodity landscape.

Table 5. Top ten inland capture fisheries species in Indonesia by quantity (t) in 2023 (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

Table 6. Top ten inland capture fisheries species in Indonesia by value (USD 1,000) in 2023 (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

Table 7 illustrates the top ten aquaculture productions in 2023. Seaweed production was the country’s most important commodity in this sector. The main types of seaweed that are produced in Indonesia are Carrageenophytes (Kappaphycus alvarezii, Euchema spp.), Agarophytes (Gracilaria spp.), and Alginophytes (Sargassum spp, Laminaria spp, Ascophyllum spp, and Macrocystis spp.). These are produced mainly in South Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara, North Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Java (Directorate General of Strengthening Competitiveness of Marine and Fisheries Products, 2023).

Table 7. Top ten aquaculture products in Indonesia by quantity (t) in 2023 (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

The rankings of the aquaculture products by quantity and by value are identical, as detailed in Table 8. Notably, shrimp holds the highest value among all aquaculture products. This indicates that while the quantity of products may vary, the market value reflects a consistent preference or demand for shrimp within the industry.

Table 8. Top ten aquaculture products in Indonesia by value (USD 1,000) in 2023 (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

• Exported Fish and Fishery Products

Indonesia exports and imports a variety of fish and fishery products. This information in 2023 is summarized in Table 9, which presents the data by quantity, while Table 10 shows the data by value. Along with seaweed, shrimp is sourced from both capture fisheries and aquaculture. The measures taken by the government to boost this shrimp production include establishing a pilot project for area-based shrimp farming in some areas, like Kebumen and Central Java (Aqua Culture Asia Pacific, 2023).

Table 9. Top ten exported fish and fishery products in Indonesia in 2023 by quantity (t) (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

Table 10. Top ten exported fish and fishery products in Indonesia in 2023 by value (USD 1,000) (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

In 2023, China emerged as the largest destination of exported fish and fishery products, as illustrated in Table 11. The primary product sought after by China is grouper, known for its quality (Emanuella Bungasmara Ega Tirta, 2024). Additionally, Indonesia has an ongoing contract with China, established in 2022, which extends through 2024 for the export of fish and fisheries products.

Table 11. Top ten destination countries of fish and fishery products exported by Indonesia in 2023 by quantity (t) (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

When examining the production values presented in Table 12, it is evident that the United States is the largest market for Indonesian fishery product exports, significantly outpacing other countries. Following the U.S. in importance is China, which also plays a crucial role in importing these products. This data highlights the strong demand for Indonesian seafood in these key international markets, underscoring the importance of exports to the country’s economy.

Table 12. Top ten destination countries of fish and fishery products exported by Indonesia in 2023 by value (USD 1,000) (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

• Imported Fish and Fishery Products

The main fish and fishery products typically imported by Indonesia are fishmeal and mackerel. These products are primarily utilized as feed ingredients and for smoked fish. Although similar products are also produced domestically, the quality of imported items is competitive with local offerings. Tables 13 and 14 present the major species in 2023, categorized by both quantity and value, respectively.

Table 13. Top ten fish and fishery products imported by Indonesia in 2023 by quantity (t) (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

Table 14. Top ten fish and fishery products imported by Indonesia in 2023 by value (USD 1,000) (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

The imported fish and fishery products originated from multiple countries, such as China, Netherlands, and Republic of Korea (Table 15). These imports play a significant role in the country’s seafood supply. However, when analyzing the data by product value, it becomes clear that there are distinct variations in the countries of origin for different types of fish and fishery products. This categorization highlights the diverse sources and economic implications of the imports, as shown in Table 16. Understanding these differences can provide insight into market trends and the dynamics of the fisheries industry in Indonesia.

Table 15. Top ten origin countries of fish and fishery products imported by Indonesia in 2023 by quantity (t) (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

Table 16. Top ten origin countries of fish and fishery products imported by Indonesia in 2023 by value (USD 1,000) (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

• Number of Fishing Vessels

In 2023, small-scale fisheries remain predominant in the country’s fishing vessel fleet, comprising nearly 50 % of the total number of vessels. Table 17 shows that many of these small-scale vessels fall within the 0–5 GT, followed by non-powered boats which are also commonly used in local fishing activities. The number of fishing vessels varies annually due to several factors, including fishing regulations, environmental conditions, and economic changes within the fishing industry. Notably, in 2022, there was a decline in the number of vessels of certain sizes, which could indicate shifts in fishing practices or market demands. Overall, the dynamics of fishing fleet underscore the importance of small-scale fisheries to the country’s economy and food security (see Annex Table D).

Table 17. Number of fishing vessels in capture fisheries in Indonesia in 2023 (Portal Satu Data, 2025)

International Agreements and Collaborations

Indonesia engages in both bilateral and multilateral agreements, as well as participates in regional and international organizations, to promote the sustainable use and conservation of global fishery resources. For its bilateral agreements, Indonesia collaborates with several countries, including Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Viet Nam, and Papua New Guinea, among others, in the fisheries sector.

On a regional level, Indonesia acts as the Secretariat for the Regional Plan of Action to Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (RPOA-IUU), which includes 11 member countries and aims to promote the conservation of the marine environment, ensure sustainable management of fisheries resources, manage fishing capacity, enhance competency in fisheries management, and combat IUU fishing in the region.

Other than that, Indonesia has also become the member and partner of six organizations such as Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT), Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Securities (CTI CFF), Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia and the Pacific (NACA), and Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC).

In the context of international relations, to address the challenges associated with illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, Indonesia is actively addressing the challenges posed by IUU fishing practices. As a member of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Indonesia is engaged in various efforts to combat these issues. Furthermore, Indonesia plays a significant role in tackling problems related to food security, conservation and biodiversity, fish resource management, marine debris, non-tariff measures (NTMs), and fisheries subsidies within the framework of international organizations.

References

Aqua Culture Asia Pacific. (2023, December 14). Indonesia adds 12 shrimp farming areas for 2 million tonnes of vannamei shrimp in 2024. Aqua Culture Asia Pacific. https://aquaasiapac.com/2023/12/14/indonesia-adds-12-shrimp-farming-areas-for-2-million-tonnes-of-vannamei-shrimp-in-2024/

Aquastat – FAO. (2011). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Asfar, M., Tawali, A. B., & Mahendradatta, M. (2014). Prosiding Seminar Nasional Teknologi Industri II 2014 (SNTI-B13) POTENSI IKAN GABUS (Channa Striata) SEBAGAI SUMBER MAKANAN KESEHATAN-REVIEW.

Directorate General of Strengthening Competitiveness of Marine and Fisheries Products. (2023). Profil Pasar Rumput Laut. https://kkp.go.id/storage/Materi/profil-pasar-rumput-laut66753a465fe09/materi-66753a4696928.pdf

Dr. Ir. Muhammad Zaini, M. (2022). Rencana Implementasi Kebijakan Penangkapan Ikan Terukur. Focus Group Discussion.

Emanuella Bungasmara Ega Tirta. (2024, October 8). Harta Karun Terpendam RI, Diburu Warga China Karena Bawa Keberuntungan. CNBC Indonesia. https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/research/20241008133556-128-577869/harta-karun-terpendam-ri-diburu-warga-china-karena-bawa-keberuntungan

Government Regulation Number 11 of 2023. (2023). https://jdih.kkp.go.id

Humas Ditjen Perikanan Budidaya. (2023). KKP Genjot Produksi Si Emas Hitam. kkp.go.id. https://www.kkp.go.id/news/news-detail/kkp-genjot-produksi-si-emas-hitam65c19fd721fef.html

KampungKB BKKBN. (2023, October 30). GEMARIKAN. BKKBN. https://kampungkb.bkkbn.go.id/kampung/12271/intervensi/312401/gemarikan

Portal Satu Data. (2025). Portal Satu Data KKP RI.

Acknowledgements

I am grateful to all individuals and organizations who have supported the writing of this Fisheries Country Profile. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the Bureau of Public Relations and Foreign Cooperation and the Directorate General of Marine Resources and Fisheries Surveillance at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia for their generosity in providing important data and information. Furthermore, I express my deepest appreciation to the staff at SEAFDEC for their significant support throughout this endeavor.

About the Author

Ms. Rina Fariani Saragih is a Surveillance Data Analyst at the Directorate General of Marine Resources and Fisheries Surveillance, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia. She is responsible for the collection of monitoring reports and the provision of monitoring data. Her work focuses primarily on fisheries marketing within the Directorate of Fisheries Resources Supervision, where she plays a key role in ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of activities related to this sector. (E-mail: rina.saragih@kkp.go.id; Phone: +62 811 3221 555)