Resumption of exports after seven months marks a major boost for Kepri’s fisheries sector
Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad has officially relaunched grouper exports from the province, sending 7 tons to Hong Kong on Monday, September 15, 2025. The move ends a seven-month suspension that cost the region an estimated IDR 3 billion (SGD 240,000) per month in lost revenue.
Export Momentum Restored
The ceremonial handover took place on Sirai Island, Bintan, with 3.5 tons of tiger, cantang, and mud grouper sourced locally, while another 3.5 tons originated from Sedanau, Bunguran Barat, Natuna. Together, they form Kepri’s renewed gateway to Hong Kong, one of the most lucrative markets for Indonesian marine products.
Economic Loss and Recovery
Governor Ansar highlighted the severe impact of the suspension, which drained an estimated IDR 3 billion each month from potential earnings. “Today we are happy and optimistic that this restart will contribute significantly to national foreign exchange,” he declared. He credited strong coordination between the provincial government, central ministries, and foreign embassies for enabling the breakthrough.
Ensuring Sustainability
Beyond immediate gains, Ansar reaffirmed Kepri’s vast marine potential across capture fisheries, aquaculture, and processing. To safeguard sustainability, the provincial government has designated nearly 2.9 million hectares as conservation zones for aquaculture-based fisheries.
Quality Assurance and Collaboration
Akhmad Al Faraby, Director of Fish Quarantine at Barantin, underscored that the resumption of exports was the product of sustained collaboration. “This success came from the dedication of farmers, businesses, and both regional and national governments. Barantin ensures every exported commodity is healthy, high-quality, and resilient,” he said. Grouper from Kepri is considered a premium commodity with strong international demand.
National Context and Global Reach
According to Tornanda Syaifullah, Director General for Fisheries Competitiveness at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia’s total fisheries exports reached USD 5.95 billion in 2024, up 5.7 percent from the previous year. The country now holds a 3.2 percent share of global fish imports, with key markets including the United States, China, ASEAN, Japan, and the European Union.
Kepri’s Strategic Position
Tornanda also revealed that Kepri ranked fifth among Indonesia’s grouper-exporting regions, contributing USD 3.88 million, or 8.54 percent of national grouper exports in 2024. This strengthens the province’s role as a critical hub for Indonesia’s marine trade and economic growth.
The return of grouper exports from Riau Islands to Hong Kong symbolizes more than economic recovery—it represents the resilience and strategic value of Indonesia’s fisheries sector. With its vast marine resources and commitment to sustainable practices, Kepri is positioned to reinforce Indonesia’s status as a global seafood supplier, a development with ripple effects across Southeast Asia, including Singapore’s seafood trade links.
Sources: ANTARA News Kepri (2025) , Warta Ekonomi (2025)
Keywords: Grouper Export, Riau Islands, Kepri Fisheries, Hong Kong Market, Ansar Ahmad
