TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has stressed the importance for the nation to continue developing its fish cultivation as the world`s need for fish consumption, including in Indonesia, will continue to increase.
"Currently the population of Indonesia has reached 265 million. In 2030 it is estimated to reach nearly 300 million people. The Indonesian per capita fish consumption will also rise from 43 kilogram (kg) in 2017 to 50 kg in 2019," said Director General of Aquaculture Fisheries of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Slamet Soebjakto, in a written statement received by Jakarta on Sunday.
According to Slamet Soebjakto, the consequence of the increasing population will also boost the need for food, including fish.
He argued that this happened partly because the appetite of the population in various parts of the world has also shifted.
"They now like more protein sources from white meat such as fish than from red meat along with the demand for a healthier lifestyle," he said.
He further explained that fish supply needs could no longer rely on catches in the national waters. He on the other hand said that the reality this time is that the source of fish from the catch is limited, both from catches in the sea and other public waters.
As proclaimed, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries emphasized the importance of the community to consume fisheries commodities obtained from the clean and healthy sea and water areas.
Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti in his release on Friday (Oct 5) expressed her hope that fish consumption could become a habit of Indonesian people, not only by coastal communities, but also people living in cities and in mountainous regions.
In addition, Minister Susi also always asks that a fish menu in her house should also be provided.
"Mothers have to feed their children with fish. Fish is cheaper than meat and chicken. This can be more efficient," Minister Susi said.
She also stressed the importance of campaigns to safeguard marine sovereignty by strengthening border waters and not destroying marine areas.
ANTARA
