Govt to Support Lobster Farming in Regions in Indonesia

TheIndonesia.id - Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fishers said it supports and encourages lobster farming in Lampung province to support the livelihood in the region.

Besides being blessed with abundant lobster seeds, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said the province has the right supporting environment for lobster cultivation to work and be one of the backbones for the community.

 “Lampung can be the center for lobster farming, and it can help make the community becoming more prosperous,” the Minister said in a statement on Tuesday, December 14.

He said that his support has been communicated to the regional government when Lampung Governor Arinal Djunaidi visited the Ministry’s headquarters on Monday, December 13. A number of schemes have been prepared to assist with the development of lobster farming in Lampung.

In addition to loan assistance for local entrepreneurs and farmers, close collaboration between central and regional governments is cited as equally important in ensuring the plan can be well-implemented and subsequently encourages financial empowerment to local community.

“Coordination with central government is pivotal because [this plan] is our collective responsibility,” he added.

Djunaidi said Lampung is ready to develop and make the best use of its natural resources for the benefits of the people.

Lobster is one of the most sought-after commodities in Indonesia due to its high economic value, and regulations regarding lobster seeds in Indonesia have been through a number of changes.

In 2016, former minister Susi Pudjiastuti banned the export of lobster seeds as it was feared that excessive fishing would cause scarcity. Pudjiastuti also said the step was taken to protect local farmers.

However, when his successor Edhy Prabowo claimed the post in 2020, the regulation was reversed and lobster seed export was once again allowed. He said the ban had been harmful for small-scale fishers who depended on exporting their catch.

It was important to note that, later on, Prabowo was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission in November 2020 and was found receiving bribes from companies to issue license for lobster seeds export.

After appointed to replace Prabowo, Minister Trenggono made a U-turn to once again banning the export. He has expressed his commitment to ensure a successful lobster farming in the country.