Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The provincial government of Maluku has successfully exported 15.38 tons of frozen octopus to Mexico, marking a significant milestone in the region’s growing fisheries sector. The export, valued at $63,153 or roughly Rp 982 million, was conducted by PT. Celebes Ocean Fisheries through the Yos Sudarso Port in Ambon.
“With the natural resources we possess, today marks the first export of octopus totaling 15.83 tons, valued at $63,153,” said Acting Governor of Maluku, Sadali Ie, during a statement in Ambon, as reported by Antara on Tuesday, October 15.
Sadali emphasized that this export demonstrates the untapped potential of Maluku’s natural resources, which can be maximized to boost the region’s economy. He noted that opportunities for exporting frozen octopus in Maluku are wide open for companies, depending on the demand from international markets.
He also stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration between the government, businesses, exporters, and local fishers to ensure a sustainable production process and to further increase exports. This partnership is seen as vital to strengthening Maluku’s position as a key player in the global seafood industry.
According to the Maluku Provincial Government, the total value of fisheries exports from the region has already reached $56 million this year.
“Maluku’s fisheries production has reached 764,776 tons, while export values have amounted to $56,8” Sadali stated, noting that the figure is approaching last year’s total export value of $60 million.
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Data from the provincial government reveals that Maluku’s fisheries products are currently exported to 14 countries, including China, the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Canada, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
The top five export destinations for Maluku’s fisheries products are China, the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. While the most dominant seafood exports include vannamei shrimp, tuna, live grouper, and mud crabs.
Sadali credited the increase in fisheries exports to the hard work and commitment of various stakeholders, including Ambon Customs, the Maluku Department of Marine and Fisheries, BPPMHKP Ambon, and the Maluku Department of Industry and Trade. These institutions have been instrumental in streamlining the licensing and export service processes, helping to facilitate the growth of Maluku’s fisheries sector.
(Raidi/Agung)
