Indonesia: Status of implementation of the resolution and plan of action on aquaculture

Aquaculture has been the focus of fisheries development policy in Indonesia since the new Minister in the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia was decided in October 2009. The Ministry s vision is to increase aquaculture production up to 3.5 times for the period of five years (2009-2014) from 4.78 to 16.89 million mt (DGA 2009). The development of Indonesian aquaculture plays an increasingly important role in the country s economic growth through job creation and income generation, especially in rural areas. Several measures have been implemented to develop aquaculture, such as expansion of aquaculture areas, intensification of existing aquaculture facilities, production of good quality seeds, continued development of biotechnology for producing new species or strain, improved efficiency offered and use of locally available raw materials such as maggot meal, and development of technology on disease control using molecular tools. Also included are the improvement of farmer s education and awareness in implementation of Best management practices (BMPs) for sustainability, increased participation of farmers and private sector in aquaculture development, and provision of various financial schemes for aquaculture businesses.