East Kalimantan's seafood exports gain global reach

Samarinda, East Kalimantan (ANTARA) -

Indonesia's East Kalimantan is expanding its seafood exports through direct cargo flights to China, helping fresh fish, shrimp and crabs reach international markets faster while boosting income for coastal communities.

The province's eastern coastline stretches 1,526 kilometers, from Penajam Paser Utara District to Berau District.

The area features broad estuaries, extensive mangrove forests and nutrient-rich waters that support abundant marine resources.

For years, most seafood from the region was sold in local markets or shipped to major cities on Java.

That pattern is changing as improved logistics and direct international flights allow East Kalimantan seafood to reach overseas consumers while maintaining freshness and quality.

A new phase began in mid-May 2026 when regular cargo flights started operating from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport in Balikpapan to Wenzhou, China, twice weekly.

Each flight carries between seven and 12 tons of premium seafood. The route has increased monthly exports of fresh and live fish and other marine products to about 56 tons.

"The route reduces spoilage risks, preserves freshness and strengthens confidence in East Kalimantan products in markets with strict standards," said Irma Listiawati, a fisheries official in the province.

Rich Marine Resources

Behind every exported fish, shrimp or crab is a coastal ecosystem that has supported local fisheries for generations.

The province's diverse habitats produce seafood with qualities sought by international buyers.

Export-oriented fish such as grouper, snapper, silver pomfret and rabbitfish are largely sourced from East Kutai waters, including Sangatta, Bengalon and Teluk Pandan.

These relatively calm and plankton-rich waters help fish develop firm flesh and high quality. Berau, Bontang and North Penajam Paser are also important fishing and aquaculture areas.

The Mahakam Delta in Kutai Kartanegara District is another key production center, where freshwater and seawater mix to create ideal brackish-water conditions.

Major shrimp supplies come from the Mahakam estuary, Balikpapan Bay and Berau waters, as well as aquaculture operations across several coastal districts and cities.

Mangrove crabs, a leading air-freight commodity, thrive in preserved mangrove forests, especially in the Mahakam Delta and tidal coastal areas.

More than 90 percent of exported mangrove crabs originate from East Kalimantan. After harvest, products are quickly transported to processing facilities for sorting and cold storage.

Exports move through seaports in Kariangau, Samarinda and Tanjung Redeb or directly through Sepinggan Airport for faster delivery.

Maintaining Export Standards

Success in export markets depends not only on natural resources but also on improving production and quality-control practices.

Many farmers and fishermen now apply environmentally responsible methods and obtain certifications such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Processing Suitability Certificates (SKP).

HACCP is an internationally recognized food-safety system designed to identify and control biological, chemical and physical hazards throughout production.

SKP certification verifies that processing facilities meet government standards on sanitation, hygiene and product quality for domestic and export markets.

Grouper and snapper are commonly raised in floating net cages located in sheltered bays and estuaries.

Natural water circulation helps maintain fish quality. Farmers also monitor temperature, oxygen and water acidity to support healthy growth.

Fish are fed fresh fish and quality pellets. Most reach export size within three to six months.

Mangrove crab cultivation often uses a silvofishery system, known locally as wanamina, which combines aquaculture with mangrove conservation.

Under this approach, around 60 to 80 percent of mangrove cover remains intact, helping preserve ecosystems while supporting crab production.

Crabs grow in shaded, low-pollution environments and feed on naturally available shellfish, snails and small fish.

The system produces large crabs with dense meat while protecting mangroves that help prevent coastal erosion and store carbon.

Shrimp farming generally follows semi-intensive methods, which are considered more environmentally sustainable than high-density production systems.

Farmers prepare ponds carefully and use probiotics to maintain water quality and reduce disease risks without excessive chemical inputs.

Growing Export Value

From January to May 2026, East Kalimantan exported 1,262 tons of fishery products valued at about Rp230 billion, equivalent to roughly US$14.1 million.

Fresh and live fish exports reached 176.7 tons, generating around Rp14.1 billion, or approximately US$864,000.

Grouper led fish exports with 89.3 tons worth Rp7.4 billion, equivalent to about US$454,000.

Silver pomfret followed with 59.7 tons valued at Rp6.7 billion, or roughly US$411,000, while snapper and rabbitfish accounted for the remaining 27.7 tons.

Shrimp remained the largest revenue contributor. Tiger prawns generated Rp173.3 billion, equivalent to about US$10.6 million, from exports totaling 769.9 tons.

Pink shrimp exports reached 239.2 tons valued at Rp31.6 billion, or around US$1.9 million.

Beyond China, East Kalimantan exports fresh and live seafood to Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.

Frozen shrimp and processed fish products also reach the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and several European countries.

Meeting strict international food-safety standards has helped the province expand its presence in global markets.

The achievement reflects cooperation between local authorities and businesses to maintain quality throughout the supply chain.

Products undergo sorting, cold storage and temperature-controlled packaging before shipment.

If monthly cargo volumes remain near 56 tons, export revenue could continue growing and support thousands of fishing and aquaculture households.

Each cargo flight departing Sepinggan Airport carries more than seafood. It also represents East Kalimantan's growing role in international trade and its ability to meet global demand.

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Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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