Indonesia targets fish protein after achieving rice self-sufficiency

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government is focusing on fish protein self-sufficiency after achieving carbohydrate self-sufficiency this year, as informed by Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan.

"This year's focus is on fish protein, both captured and farmed fish," he confirmed on Thursday.

Hasan said self-sufficiency in carbohydrates such as rice and corn has been achieved, prompting the government to shift its focus toward fish protein self-sufficiency.

According to him, achieving fish protein self-sufficiency from both aquaculture and capture fisheries requires improved fisheries governance, particularly at the village level. This includes the development of Red and White Fishermen’s Villages (KNMP).

These villages are designed to support fishermen’s needs, including ice production facilities, cold storage, and other infrastructure.

"We are building fishing villages because of the limited bargaining power of our fishermen," the minister said.

In addition to fishing villages, the government is also working to establish various thematic freshwater fish farming villages in 40,000 villages as part of effort to achieve fish protein self-sufficiency.

"The cultivation areas will be distributed across regions, some on Java and others outside Java. Eventually, each village will have its own cultivation area, targeting 40,000 villages," Hasan said.

According to data from the National Food Agency, average protein consumption in Indonesia is around 61.7 to 62.3 grams per capita per day, which meets the recommended dietary intake.

However, the share of animal protein remains relatively low, at around 17 to 18 grams per capita per day. Specifically, daily animal protein consumption per capita includes about 9.58 grams from fish, shrimp, and shellfish, 4.79 grams from red meat and poultry, and 3.37 grams from eggs and milk.

The Ministry of Health continues to encourage improvements in dietary quality and daily intake to help prevent stunting in children, including promoting consumption of at least one portion of fish or two eggs per day.

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Translator: Khaerul Izan,Resinta Sulistiyandari

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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