TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry has officially banned the export of lobster hatchlings through the issuance of Ministerial Regulation (Permen) No. 17 of 2021 concerning the management of lobster (Panulirus spp.), crab (Scylla spp.), and rajungan or small crabs (Portunus spp.) in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia.

“This regulation is one of my promises after being sworn in as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in December 2020. At that time, I emphasized that lobster hatchlings as one of Indonesia's marine resources must be cultivated in Indonesian territory. The cultivation must also be carried out in the province where they are caught,” said Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono in a written statement, Thursday night, June 18.

Trenggono hoped all stakeholders will be prosperous in managing marine wealth based on the blue economy, which is the sustainable growth of the maritime sector.

“Let us together oversee the application of this rule in the field,” he remarked.

The regulation also stipulates procedures for catching and cultivating translucent or unpigmented lobster hatchlings, crab, and rajungan in the archipelago.

The ministry’s Acting Director-General for Aquaculture, TB Haeru Rahayu, said the policy was aimed to encourage the development of lobster cultivation in Indonesia and boost economic growth given that lobster is one of the export commodities with high economic value.

“Lobster is one of the three marine commodities that are prioritized for aquaculture besides shrimp and seaweed,” said TB Haeru.

Read: Minister Trenggono Eyes Lombok as Lobster Aquaculture Center

HENDARTYO HANGGI