Indonesia Plans Thematic Aquaculture Villages to Boost Rural Economy

Indonesia is preparing to launch a significant village development program focused on thematic aquaculture, aiming to bolster the rural economy and enhance the nation's protein supply. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan announced the plan, which targets the establishment of 40,000 thematic inland fish farming locations across 37 provinces by 2029.

This ambitious initiative, a priority for 2025-2029, will involve village and sub-district governments collaborating with communities. Interventions will include constructing production ponds, recirculation systems, feed storage, and control tanks. The program is projected to yield 1.2 million tons of fish per year, generating IDR 2.88 trillion and supplying fish for 31.5 million Free Nutritious Meals beneficiaries.

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Now, thematic fisheries villages will be established. We are already self-sufficient in rice for carbohydrates, and now we will move into fish protein.

Minister Hasan emphasized the program's potential for job creation, estimating it could absorb around 8,000 workers beyond temporary construction roles. "If this program is successful, of course, it will create many jobs," he said. "Essentially, we want to build village economic empowerment while simultaneously employing as many workers as possible."

The government views this as a strategic move to build upon existing self-sufficiency in rice, now focusing on fish as a key protein source. The program is designed to empower villages economically while addressing nutritional needs.

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If this program is successful, of course, it will create many jobs. Essentially, we want to build village economic empowerment while simultaneously employing as many workers as possible.