INTRODUCTION
Background
Indonesia is the largest archipelagic country in the world, with high diversity
in terms of geography and climate, ecosystems, and species. These extensive and
varied natural resources have great potential for developing a wide spectrum of
fisheries activities. The population of over 220 million is predominantly young,
with a relatively large proportion that are of working age. Majority still live
in rural areas (both inland and coastal), and most ethnic groups have maintained
strong farming traditions conducive for conversion to or development of
fisheries, including aquaculture activities. Indonesia can become a major world
player in the fisheries sector, based on both natural and human resources.
The Indonesian aquaculture sector is still dominated by small-scale business
units, mainly in rural areas and often in remote settings. Previous development
cycle statistics (2000-2004) show that 63 per cent of poverty and 42 per cent of
declared unemployment occurred in rural areas. The predominantly rural
aquaculture sector can play an increasingly important role in achieving three of
the national pillars of development: (1) growth (pro-growth);
(2) expansion of employment opportunities (pro-job); and (3)
poverty reduction (pro-poor).
The president of the Republic of Indonesia launched the Revitalisation of
Aquaculture Program on June 11, 2005, as part of the Revitalisation of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Program. Under the program for 2006-2009,
three products have been launched as main fisheries commodities for
revitalisation: (1) tuna, (2) prawn/shrimp, and (3) seaweed, with shrimp and
seaweed being classified under aquaculture. Eight additional strategic
commodities are being given special attention: tilapia, grouper, milkfish,
pangasius, catfish, gourame, abalone, and ornamental fish. Seaweed is one of the
fastest-growing export commodities; from a cultural point of view, it has proven
to be a well-adapted economic activity that can improve livelihoods of many
coastal communities. The Aquaculture Revitalisation Programme has increased
aquaculture production by as high as 24 per cent in 2006. In 2007, aquaculture
production was expected to increase by 38 per cent.