CEO The
Chief Editor Overview
Hello and welcome to this month’s issue of THE CRUST! The Indonesian shrimp industry once again finds itself in turbulent waters. Following the release of the FDA’s Import Alert #99-52, shrimp shipments from Indonesia have been effectively halted from entering the U.S. market. The alert specifically targets products originating from Java and Lampung: regions that account for nearly 90% of Indonesia’s shrimp exports. This development has sent shockwaves through the industry, creating widespread uncertainty for both farmers and exporters.
The Indonesian government has been in continuous communication with the FDA, working to find a resolution. There have been some encouraging updates, as the FDA has agreed to allow around 1,000 containers already on the water to enter the U.S. with special screening procedures. However, for shipments beyond these, there remains no clear path forward. Indonesia is still in the process of establishing official testing procedures and certification systems required by the FDA. Until these are finalized, the industry is left in limbo: unable to plan, ship, or sell with confidence.
Rizky Darmawan Chief Editor
In the meantime, the global shrimp market continues to evolve. It is increasingly clear that Ecuador remains in the strongest position. With its lowest reciprocal tariffs, steady government support, and continuously rising production, Ecuador seems poised to hold the top spot in the global shrimp trade for years to come. India and other producing nations are also likely to benefit in the short term as buyers shift sourcing away from Indonesia to secure supply continuity.
Still, the longer this radioactive issue lingers, the greater the potential long-term damage. There is growing concern that consumer sentiment could shift with buyers and end consumers alike developing hesitancy toward shrimp products from Indonesia. Once brand trust is eroded, it takes years to rebuild, and this could affect not only exports but also the country’s reputation as a reliable supplier.
These past two years have been some of the most challenging for the shrimp industry in recent memory. From the AD/CVD tariffs, reciprocal trade measures, to now the radioactivity crisis. Yet, as we often say, every dusk precedes a dawn. We can only hope that this period of struggle will soon give way to recovery, unity, and renewed strength for our industry.
Why China Could Be Indonesia’s Turning East:
This year, Indonesia’s shrimp industry has taken multiple blows from its main export market, the United States (U.S.). After facing an anti-dumping tariff of 3.9% late last year, it was soon hit again with a 19% reciprocal tariff. The situation worsened with the discovery of Cesium-137 (Cs-137), making the country’s dependence on the U.S. increasingly fragile. Although Indonesian shrimp can still enter the U.S. under several conditions, this serves as yet another warning for the industry to reduce its reliance on that market.
Indonesia is not alone in facing challenges in the U.S. market. Other major suppliers, such as India, are also dealing with significant hurdles, particularly a reciprocal tariff as high as 50%. However, this rate may be reduced to around 15–16% as India and the U.S. continue their negotiations. In contrast, Ecuador appears to be benefiting from the current U.S. market situation. Its reciprocal tariff stands at 15%, combined with a previous countervailing duty (CVD) of 3.78%, bringing the total to 18.78%. Practically speaking, Ecuador’s only major obstacle in the U.S. market right now is tariff-related.
According to Alfred Herman of PT Bumi Menara Internusa (BMI), who spoke at the FARM 2025 event, Ecuador is taking the U.S. market very seriously. Moreover, the country could soon target the value-added segment—a segment where Indonesia has a good position and where Ecuador has so far been less competitive. However, Alfred noted that Ecuador may be exploring opportunities in the U.S. value-added market through partnerships with Vietnam. He said tha it could become the next serious challenge for Indonesia’s shrimp industry.
“The import and export regulations in Vietnam are very easy,” Alfred said. “That’s why Ecuador is trying to find partners in other countries to produce value-added shrimp products, such as peeled shrimp. This is quite concerning for processing companies like us.”
So, even though the U.S. market still offers significant opportunities, it also comes with substantial tariff and non-tariff challenges. Addressing short-term issues—
particularly the Cesium-137 case—is crucial to safeguard Indonesia’s shrimp industry in its largest export market. At the same time, it’s equally important for the industry to seriously pursue expansion into other major markets that remain underdeveloped. The European Union (EU) and Japan could be viable options, but China may prove to be the most promising market in the future, given its enormous shrimp consumption.
According to Alfred’s data, Indonesia’s market share for shrimp in China remains very small—only 0.96%, with a total export volume of 8,986 tons. This is far behind Ecuador, India, and Vietnam, which hold market shares of 76.11%, 13.96%, and 4.37%, respectively.
Opportunities and Challenges
With import volumes nearing one million tons, China represents a massive market for the future. Indonesia even enjoys a 0% tariff on shrimp exports to China— the same advantage held by Thailand and Vietnam—while
Alfred Herman
Next Big Shrimp Market
Ecuador faces tariffs of 3–4% and India 2.5%.
According to Alfred, the Chinese market typically demands two types of shrimp products: raw and cooked. However, prices in the raw shrimp segment are extremely low, making it difficult to compete with Ecuador, the dominant player. Indonesia, on the other hand, has strong potential to tap into the cooked shrimp market— if it can overcome its existing challenges. Cooked shrimp products serve as an alternative to live shrimp commonly served in restaurants.
“For the Chinese market, most of the demand is for head-on shrimp,” Alfred explained. “Right now, Ecuador’s head-on shrimp are priced almost one dollar cheaper per kilogram than Indonesia’s. At that price difference, it’s quite difficult for us as a packer to promote Indonesian products.”
In addition, the Chinese market is known for its very strict standards—shrimp must meet precise requirements in terms of shape, color, and taste. Indonesian shrimp
are actually well-regarded for their flavor in China, second only to those from Saudi Arabia. However, what’s harder to achieve are the visual perfection and color standards. According to the ShrimpFan™ color chart, shrimp can only be classified as Grade A in the Chinese market if their redness value exceeds 23. Indonesian cooked shrimp— typically those exported to the U.S.—usually reach only around 20, meaning additional effort is needed to meet the higher color grade.
In terms of appearance, several factors must also meet strict criteria: no defects in the antenna, shell, or tail; no broken hepatopancreas; clean gills; firm heads; no soft shells; and no harvest immersion exceeding 24 hours—all of which are challenging to maintain in an archipelagic country like Indonesia.
“The biggest challenge for us so far has been the hepatopancreas. That’s the most frequent issue, and it’s often the main reason why our shrimp prices are considered less competitive,” Alfred added.
Countering Negative Sen-
timent in the U.S. Market
While expanding into alternative markets, Indonesia must also work to rebuild the image of its shrimp industry and restore trust following several issues in the U.S.—particularly those involving antibiotics and Cesium-137, both of which relate to food safety concerns. Although these issues occurred in the U.S. market, they have created negative sentiment among other importing countries as well, including China. Moreover, such reports have been used by buyers as leverage to pressure Indonesian shrimp prices, even though the country previously enjoyed a strong reputation for being antibiotic-free.
“Before the antibiotic issue, for example, China never even asked about it because the authorities didn’t really check for antibiotics,” Alfred said. “But about four months ago, customers began to raise questions.”
To maintain consumer confidence, PT Bumi Menara Internusa (BMI) has taken the initiative to screen all shrimp entering its processing facilities for antibiotics and, more recently, Cesium-137. According to Alfred, every shrimp batch from supplier must be confirmed free from both contaminants before being accepted. “If it’s clean, then it goes in,” he explained. “These are the measures we’re taking to make sure our customers still want to buy from us.”
As an industry that involves a complex upstream-to-downstream supply chain, efforts to rebuild Indonesia’s shrimp reputation and expand into new markets cannot be carried out sporadically by individual players. Cooperation among all stakeholders—including hatcheries, farmers, feed manufacturers, shrimp suppliers, processors, and the government—is essential to ensure both efficiency and effectiveness.
“Improving the quality of Indonesia’s export shrimp products can’t be achieved by processors alone,” Alfred emphasized. “It also requires improvements in logistics and farming practices to produce raw materials that meet customers’ standards for quality and food safety.”
Sterilization in Shrimp Farming
(Part 1)
In shrimp farming, maintaining clean and healthy water isn’t just about clarity; it’s about creating a balanced and stable environment for shrimp to thrive. Over time, pond water naturally accumulates waste from feed, metabolites, and organic matter, collectively increasing Total Organic Matter (TOM) and bacterial loads. The goal of sterilization is to reduce these unwanted elements, maintaining optimal water quality and preventing disease outbreaks. In essence, a good sterilization process can be measured by its ability to minimize harmful bacteria while keeping the water fresh and safe for shrimp.
Fresh, clean water serves as the lifeblood of the farm. It constantly refreshes the pond system that receives daily feed inputs and nutrient buildup. To achieve this, farmers employ various sterilization techniques. In this issue, we focus on two modern, energy-based methods, ozonization and UV light sterilization, before exploring chemical-based approaches in the next part of this series.
Ozonization is considered one of the most powerful water sterilization methods. Ozone (O₃) is a strong oxidizing gas that reacts rapidly with bacteria, viruses, and organic matter. In hatcheries, ozone is widely used to maintain high water clarity and reduce TOM levels. The process works quickly, often within minutes, and provides both disinfection and oxidation benefits. However, ozone requires specialized generators, careful dosing, and monitoring systems to avoid overdosing. It’s also important to allow a short resting period after ozonation to let residual ozone dissipate before the water is returned to the animals. Despite these pre-
cautions, many farmers appreciate ozone’s speed and effectiveness in improving overall water quality.
To ensure reliable operation, the ozone plug-in system should have a small holding or contact tank and a way to monitor oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). This helps confirm that ozone levels are strong enough to disinfect but safe before water re-enters the pond.
UV sterilization, on the other hand, uses ultraviolet light, typically at 254 nm, to inactivate microorganisms by damaging their DNA and RNA. Unlike ozone, UV does not leave chemical residues, meaning water can be used immediately after treatment. UV systems are relatively simple and affordable to install and operate, making them attractive to many farms. The main requirements are good water clarity and sufficient contact time to ensure that microbes receive an adequate UV dose. Cloudy water, high TOM, or suspended solids can block UV rays, so prefiltration is often needed. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the quartz sleeves and replacing UV lamps periodically, also keeps performance optimal.
Both ozone and UV sterilization represent cleaner, more controlled approaches to maintaining water quality. Yet, while they’re effective, they also depend on stable power, proper setup, and consistent maintenance; factors that may limit their use in some farm environments.
For most farms, chemical sterilization remains the most widely adopted and practical approach. We’ll dive deeper into that method—covering the types of chemicals, their proper use, and precautions, in the next issue of THE CRUST.
THE CRUST - RIZKY
Seven Strategic Steps to Build
Amid the recent turbulence in the global market, the persistent threat of disease continues to haunt the shrimp industry, not only in Indonesia but also in other producing countries such as neighboring Vietnam.
At FARM 2025, Wei Che Wen of Uni-President Vietnam shared that diseases such as EHP, AHPND, and WFD remain the main challenges for Vietnam’s shrimp sector. The problem is further compounded by the country’s farming landscape, which is dominated by small-scale farmers who rely on the same river systems for their water intake, which makes disease transmission risks much higher.
Disease challenges have also caused Vietnam’s shrimp production to gradually decline, by an average of around 10% since 2022, dropping from about 700,000 tons to around
550,000 tons in 2024, and it is projected to fall further to 500,000 tons this year.
According to Wei, achieving pathogen-free shrimp farming at this stage is nearly impossible. “We think now, if you say you want 100% no disease, it’s not possible. Impossible. So we have to think about how to live with it, how to survive with the disease, and how to control the risk,” he said.
Seven
Strategic
Steps
To address these disease challenges, Uni-President has developed seven strategic steps that can be adopted by its customers. The guideline is also designed to make production management more practical, especially in bridging the perception gap between farm owners and
pond technicians.
Strengthen Biosecurity and Pond Preparation. This is the most fundamental and crucial step that must be followed 100% by technicians. It includes the use of SPF postlarvae, thorough pond drying and disinfection, and proper water management and exchange. “It’s very basic work. Making sure technicians 100% follow the protocol and the guideline is essential,” Wei said Maintain Stable Water Quality and Conduct Daily
Monitoring. Wei highlighted several key water quality parameters that should be monitored daily, including pH (7.5–8.3), DO (≥4 mg/L), Ca (>150 ppm), Mg (>400 ppm), alkalinity (>100 ppm), NH₃ (0.5–1 ppm), and NO₂ (<3 ppm).
With a typical high stocking density of 200–300 pcs/m², ammonia and nitrite levels tend to rise after 40 days of culture (DOC 40). Farmers often respond by changing water daily. However, Wei cautioned that frequent water exchange can also destabilize water quality.
“So what we do is start by checking ammonia, nitrite, and some central points. If the water parameters are still stable, there’s no need to change the water. We only do it when necessary. From our latest trials, we found that farmers’ success rates really increased when they main-
Resilient Shrimp Farms in Vietnam
tained a stable and balanced environment,” he explained
Manage Pond Bottom Sludge. The pond bottom can easily become an ideal breeding ground for pathogens if not cleaned regularly. It can also serve as a collection point for dead shrimp that have succumbed to disease. Dead shrimp left in the pond often carry a much higher concentration of pathogens than the water itself, meaning they can spread disease far more quickly than waterborne transmission alone.
“We’re doing some testing and trials. One group contains dead shrimp, and the other only has water. We add a high dosage of Vibrio. In the group with dead shrimp, you can see the shrimp start getting the disease after just two or three days. But in the group with only water and Vibrio, it takes around three weeks. I think this time will be a bit different if we can manage the pond bottom well — good bottom control. So, basically we can continue to move all the sludge, move our dye stream, then to reduce the disease outbreak.
Apply Gut Health Strategy
Using Multiple Probiotic Species. The next step is to apply multiple probiotic species to help maintain balanced water quality and support shrimp digestive health. For water quality, Wei recommends using Bacillus which is commonly applied in shrimp ponds and photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) to manage the microbial community in the bottom and sludge. For gut and hepatopancreas health, he suggests Lactobacillus, which can help prevent Vibrio
infections.
“Today, if we don’t use enough probiotics, we’re giving Vibrio plenty of space to grow. But when we apply more probiotics, the growth of Vibrio can be effectively suppressed,” Wei explained. “As before, we’ve also seen that testing for Vibrio-inhibiting species is important, especially when probiotics are mixed into feed or combined with certain shrimp health products. These combinations often help boost shrimp immunity and maintain good overall health. So, it’s important to always check that the probiotics or health products you use are truly effective.”
High-Quality Feed and Additives. Good feed quality can be judged by two main factors: stability and digestibility. The better these two aspects are, the less impact the feed will have on deteriorating water quality. According to Wei, achieving this quality depends largely on selecting high-grade raw materials. In addition, he recommends using additives and herbal ingredients that can help boost shrimp immunity and promote growth.
“This is the herb which we are to develop into a formula, that can support to increase the immunity and reduce the stress caused by the toxin in the field. So for Indonesia, we understand now, the AHPND EHP is still a major issue. Using this additive which can reduce the disease, which can reduce the antibiotic, that will be another key point to support the farmer to get a higher success rate,” Wei said.
Disease Surveillance and
Early Detection. According to Wei, early detection and regular health monitoring are essential for effective disease prevention. Once shrimp begin to show clinical symptoms, it’s often already too late to respond effectively. While PCR testing is ideal, he emphasized that routine health checks don’t necessarily require advanced equipment, as long as farm managers can regularly observe and assess shrimp health conditions.
“Why is it important? Because usually when the shrimp have a problem, you can very easily notice changes in the gut, reduced feeding activity, and incomplete feces. The issue is that workers usually report only when the situation becomes serious, when shrimp start dying. But by then, it’s already too late for treatment.”
Reduce Antibiotic Dependence. As shrimp is a key export commodity, Wei often reminds his customers in Vietnam to minimize antibiotic use in their ponds. Instead, he encourages the use of probiotics and herbal supplements, as mentioned earlier, to promote shrimp health naturally and sustainably.
Wei concluded his presentation by emphasizing that shrimp farming is a science-driven activity that can always be improved through data collection and analysis. “When we collect more data and build our own systems, it helps all of us improve next time. We may face major problems now, but what matters is how we learn and make it better in the future,” he said.
Wei Che Wen
THE CRUST - AB
Shadows Beneath the Surface: The Trade Ripple from Indonesia’s Cesium Concern
Indonesia’s seafood industry has faced its share of challenges, but the recent discovery of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) traces in certain locations has created a new layer of uncertainty. While the scientific scope of the issue appears limited, the long-term impact may not come from contamination itself, but from how the market chooses to interpret it.
How the Cesium Issue Emerged
The concern first surfaced after environmental monitoring teams detected traces of radioactive Cs-137 in soil near an industrial area in Banten. Investigations linked the source to improperly handled industrial equipment containing small radioactive components used for measurement devices. The contamination was localized and not connected to aquaculture or marine environments, but public attention quickly spread beyond the scientific details.
In response, the Indonesian government, through BAPETEN (The Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency), launched containment and clean-up efforts at the site and began more frequent radiation monitoring. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLH) also tightened waste control measures for industries handling such equipment.
However, communication remains the crucial next step. Consistent public updates and transparent reporting to major seafood import markets could help prevent misinformation and restore confidence more quickly.
When Perception Shapes Trade
In global seafood trade, perception is often more influential than data. Once a narrative of contamination enters the conversation, buyers begin to calculate risk differently. Indonesia’s shrimp exporters, who have spent years building trust in strict markets such as Japan, the United States, and the European Union, now find themselves managing a reputational test.
Although official reports have clarified that the affected area is not connected to aquaculture production, overseas buyers rarely separate geography from brand image. The combination of radiation-related headlines and Indonesia’s export label is enough to trigger caution across procurement channels.
Early Signs in the Market
The initial signals are already visible. Several Japanese importers have requested verification and safety documentation for Indonesian seafood shipments, even when products originate from unrelated provinces. Some buyers have diversified their orders toward Vietnam and India as a risk management
step, not necessarily due to mistrust in Indonesian quality, but to maintain supply security.
This cautious behaviour can create small but significant ripples. Extended inspection procedures and increased certification costs may slow down export turnover. For smaller exporters, even short delays in approval cycles can disrupt cash flow and customer confidence.
Trust, Transparency, and the New Competitive Edge
The real challenge ahead lies in regaining market confidence. Indonesia’s shrimp sector has gradually rebuilt its image after earlier antibiotic concerns and traceability gaps. The cesium discussion threatens to reopen old doubts, making transparency the new battleground for competitiveness.
Global buyers now expect full visibility from pond to port. Exporters with verifiable tracking systems, digital documentation, and third-party audits are better positioned to navigate this environment. In a way, the cesium issue could accelerate Indonesia’s transition toward stronger traceability and sustainability frameworks.
Regional Reactions and Competitive Positioning
Neighboring producers stand ready to fill any temporary supply gap. India, Ecuador, and Vietnam could capture additional short-term demand, particularly from retailers and importers with zero-risk procurement policies. Over time, however, the real threat is strategic displacement. Losing shelf space due to buyer hesitation can take years to recover, even if the original issue is resolved quickly.
There is also a financial dimension. Some investors are likely to pause or reassess new cold chain and processing investments in Indonesia until the situation stabilizes. This may delay infrastructure growth plans that were expected to support export expansion through 2027.
Reclaiming the Narrative
Still, there is opportunity within the setback. Indonesia can turn the situation around by addressing market concerns head-on. Inviting international audits, publishing environmental monitoring results, and partnering with import associations could demonstrate transparency and control. Such actions would help reframe Indonesia not as a risk zone, but as a responsible and responsive seafood supplier.
The cesium issue may prove to be a small environmental story but a large commercial lesson. In the seafood trade, science can settle the facts, yet perception decides the price.
THE CRUST - MIDA
Indonesia Races to Restore Shrimp
The detection of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) radioactive contamination in Indonesian shrimp exported to the United States has thrown the country’s shrimp industry into turmoil in recent months. Since the U.S. is Indonesia’s main export destination and the industry relies heavily on that market, the incident has become a serious concern among all stakeholders.
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clarified that the Cesium-137 contamination was specifically found in shrimp processed by PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS) at its Cikande, Banten facility; the case has sparked widespread uncertainty among shrimp farmers across the country.
Many are now unsure whether to continue or pause production. In regions such as North Sumatra and Aceh, the impact has been particularly severe, with shrimp prices plunging by up to 35 percent. This is largely because, aside from its Cikande facility, BMS also operates in Medan and plays a dominant role in shrimp procurement in those areas.
Since the incident first surfaced in July, the government has established a special Task Force to manage the crisis and trace the source of contamination within the Cikande industrial zone, which was later linked to a steel smelting company. The silver lining is that the contamination did not originate from the
shrimp itself, meaning farmed shrimp remain clean and safe. According to the latest update, the Task Force has completed decontamination efforts in the Cikande area and is now moving forward with the next phase of action.
There’s still a long way to go before Indonesia can resume shrimp exports to the United States. As the government representative handling this issue, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has been working closely with the U.S. FDA, resulting in two new regulations: Import Alert #99-51 and Import Alert #99-52.
Import Alert #99-51 places the BMS Cikande plant on the FDA’s Red List. To be removed from this list, the company must file a direct petition
Ishartini
Prof. Andi Tamsil
of removal to the FDA and obtain certification through an FDA-approved Third-Party Program (TPP). This certification involves a full audit of the facility, production systems, HACCP implementation, Cs137 risk controls, and independent verification.
Meanwhile, Import Alert #99-52 specifically puts shrimp originating from Java and Lampung on the Yellow List. This means exports from these regions are still allowed, as long as they meet the requirements set by U.S. authorities—namely, obtaining a radioactivity-free certificate issued by Indonesia’s Quality Control Agency (BPPMHKP), which has been officially designated by the FDA as the Certifying Entity (CE).
“In fact, during our recent meetings with the FDA, it was confirmed that exports from PT BMS Medan can still continue. Meanwhile, the new Import Alert #99-52 is not a rejection for Indonesian shrimp exporters. It only adds an additional requirement—a certificate of freedom from radioactive contamination for exports to the U.S.. And this applies only to processing facilities located in Java and Lampung,” said Ishartini in an official video released by the KKP.
The U.S. government previously issued a new import
Exports After Cesium-137 Case
restriction (Import Alert #9952), which takes effect for all arrivals starting October 31, 2025. However, KKP negotiated to allow shrimp containers that were already on the water before the regulation took effect to still enter the U.S.—a request that was approved by U.S. authorities.
Upon arrival in the U.S., Ishartini explained, the thousands of shrimp containers will still be inspected by the FDA to ensure there is no Cesium-137 contamination, in accordance with U.S. regulations.
“We successfully convinced the FDA that over 1,000 shrimp containers arriving in the U.S. after October 31 have gone through quality assurance processes and are accompanied by Quality Certificates (SMKHP) issued by KKP,” she added.
Racing Against Time
While Import Alert #99-52 offers a glimmer of hope for keeping the U.S. market open, the road ahead remains long. The shipment certification process by the Quality Control Agency as the Certifying Entity (CE), may not be as straightforward as it seems. In recent weeks, the agency has been working intensively with the FDA to determine the specifications of Cs-137 testing equipment that meet
Processed Shrimp
FDA standards, as well as the proper testing methods.
“So, everything is moving quickly. On October 9, we met with the FDA to finalize the technical details. The following day, we immediately coordinated with the relevant institutions. To streamline export procedures, the SIAPMUTU (Quality Service Application System) will be directly connected online to the FDA system, ITACS and the US Treasury, to speed up verification at U.S. ports. Our goal is to have the radioactive-free certification for shrimp up and running as soon as possible, with FDA approval, so that shipments can continue entering the U.S. market safely,” she explained.
The industry has expressed concern over this process, as it’s something entirely new for Indonesia. Beyond equipment readiness, human resources will also play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth implementation of this certification system.
Chairman of the Shrimp Club Indonesia (SCI), Prof. Andi Tamsil, stated that as an association representing shrimp farmers, SCI fully supports the certification process established by the FDA through the Certifying Entity (CE) in Indonesia. He said this mechanism provides assurance to both the FDA and
U.S. importers that every shipment from Java and Lampung has been verified as free from traces of Cs-137.
“This is a measurable risk control mechanism—a per-container certification issued by the Indonesian authority (CE), based on radionuclide testing and traceability. This way, exports can continue while maintaining market confidence,” Andi explained.
While appreciating the government’s efforts so far, Andi hopes that the certification process through the CE could be implemented as soon as possible so that exports to the U.S. can resume. He also urged the government to facilitate Third-Party Program (TPP) audits for companies on the Red List to help them get delisted quickly.
Ishartini said that the KKP is working in parallel with relevant national agencies such as the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency of Indonesia (Bapeten), and Indonesian Food and Drug Administration (BPOM). She also emphasized that the ministry remains open to input from industry players, which will be brought to the bilateral negotiation table with the United States.
“We ask for the continued support and cooperation of business actors so that together we can address this issue and ensure shrimp exports can resume smoothly,” she said.
Hooked!
Fishing isn’t just a way to catch dinner. It’s a timeless connection to the sea itself. Long before aquaculture shaped today’s seafood supply, fishing was how people met the ocean face-to-face, learning its moods and mysteries one cast at a time. And while large-scale fishing now fuels global demand, recreational fishing remains a peaceful reminder of where it all began, a moment of calm between humans and the water.
Whether it’s done for relaxation or thrill, fishing connects us with nature in a way few other pastimes can. From lakes to the open sea, here are five of the most popular fishing methods and the kinds of fish you can catch with each.
The most familiar and beginner-friendly style, casting uses a rod and reel to throw bait or lures into the water and reel them back in. It’s easy to learn and can be done from a pier, a boat, or even the riverbank.
Best for: bass, trout, snapper, barramundi, and small tuna. Whether in freshwater or saltwater, spin fishing is all about timing and rhythm, perfect for those who enjoy an active, hands-on approach.
2. Fly Fishing
Elegant and meditative, fly-fishing uses lightweight lures called “flies” that mimic insects floating on the surface. It takes practice to master the rhythmic cast, but once you do, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Best for: trout, salmon, and bonefish. Most fly anglers say it’s not just about catching fish, it’s about the dance between line, water, and patience.
5. Trolling
3. Jigging
For those who like a little action, jigging is all about movement. Anglers drop a weighted lure (called a jig) and move it up and down to mimic small fish or squid. It’s versatile! Great in deep seas or coastal waters alike.
Best for: squid, amberjack, tuna, and snapper.
You’ll feel every tap and pull through the line, making it an exciting way to fish for those who love the thrill of the chase.
Simple yet effective, bottom fishing means dropping baited hooks to the seabed to catch species that dwell near the bottom. It’s calm, steady, and ideal for anyone who enjoys a relaxing day on the water.
Best for: grouper, snapper, catfish, and flounder. It’s especially popular among families and beginner anglers, proof that sometimes, patience really does pay off.
Trolling takes fishing on the move, literally. Bait or lures are dragged behind a slow-moving boat, mimicking prey swimming through open waters. It’s a favorite among ocean anglers who love big catches and open horizons.
Best for: mahi-mahi, king mackerel, wahoo, and tuna.
The excitement builds as the reels start screaming: a clear sign that something powerful has taken the bait.
THE CRUST - RIZKY
1. Casting (Spin Fishing)
4. Bottom Fishing
My secret to joy in life is in finding balance
Balance in family, sweating, and making decisions
Cover : Aladam
Rizky
Darmawan
Veni Vidi Fishy
Gemilang Lim
