Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has successfully expanded the number of Indonesian fisheries companies authorized to export seafood product to China. As of now, 544 fish processing units (UPI) are approved to ship seafood products to the Chinese market.
Ishartini, Head of the KKP’s Agency for the Control and Supervision of Marine and Fisheries Product Quality, stated that this expansion follows negotiations with China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC). The companies that have received active approval numbers from GACC are now eligible to export seafood products, strengthening Indonesia’s competitiveness in China.
“I have received official notification from our GACC counterparts in China confirming the approval of two more Indonesian fisheries export companies. They also recognize that the quality and safety assurance system (SJMKHP) implemented by the KKP’s Quality Agency is reliable, robust, and consistent,” Ishartini said in a statement on Sunday (March 23, 2025), as reported by Detikfinance.
The two newly approved fish processing units are PT Bahari Biru Nusantara and PT Sentral Benoa Utama. These companies were previously restricted from exporting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ishartini emphasized that the KKP has maintained strong communication with Chinese authorities to address export barriers. She also noted that fish processing units deemed ready for export must adhere to the SJMKHP system and undergo regular inspections by KKP quality inspectors.
The KKP facilitates fisheries companies in securing export approvals in destination countries. Eligible processing units receive official recommendations and are registered with foreign authorities for approval.
“To export, companies must demonstrate compliance with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). My team will assist in this process. Once they meet HACCP standards, we will issue the Fisheries Product Quality and Safety Certificate for exports,” she added.
Seafood Export to China
Indonesia and China have a bilateral Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) regarding the quality and safety of aquatic products. This agreement has contributed to a steady increase in the number of Indonesian fish processing units exporting to China each year.
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Since 2023, the number of fish processing units approved for export to China has grown consistently, with 386 in 2023, 522 in 2024, and 544 as of March 2025. The top 10 Indonesian seafood commodities exported to China include seaweed, squid, ribbonfish, croaker, cuttlefish, threadfin bream, vannamei shrimp, pomfret, crab, and mackerel.
“Indonesia exports a wide variety of seafood products to China, but cephalopods, seaweed, and demersal fish still dominate. We continue to collaborate with relevant ministries and the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing to diversify export products and increase shipment volumes,” Ishartini stated.
With Indonesia’s seafood exports to China continuing to grow, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries remains committed to strengthening quality assurance systems and expanding market access. Through ongoing collaboration with Chinese authorities and support for export-ready companies, Indonesia aims to further enhance its competitiveness in the global seafood trade.
(Raidi/Agung)
