Banyuwangi Forms Task Force for Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture

maritimeposts.com/ – The Banyuwangi Regency Government has taken an important step toward strengthening its shrimp aquaculture sector by officially establishing the Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture Task Force.

The formation of this task force is mandated through Banyuwangi Regent’s Decree No. 100.3.3.2/252/KEP/429.011/2025, marking a renewed commitment to developing the shrimp industry through an environmentally responsible and socially inclusive approach.

The information was delivered by Banyuwangi Regional Secretary Guntur Priambodo during a meeting with the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs team and several stakeholders at the Banyuwangi Regent’s Pendopo on 9 December 2025.

The meeting was held ahead of the National Workshop and the Launch of the Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture Task Force in Banyuwangi, which carries the theme Strengthening the Transformation of Indonesia’s National Shrimp Aquaculture Industry.

The event is supported by the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Bappenas, the Banyuwangi local government, and Konservasi Indonesia.”

A Strategic Move to Advance Sustainable Shrimp Farming

Shrimp aquaculture is one of Banyuwangi’s key economic drivers, contributing significantly to local livelihoods and regional development. With global demand for sustainably produced seafood on the rise, Banyuwangi aims to position itself as a leading producer of environmentally responsible shrimp.

The newly formed task force is designed to ensure that shrimp development progresses in a structured, coordinated, and sustainable manner. It covers all critical dimensions of the industry—production, environmental management, regulatory alignment, market access, and community empowerment.

Comprehensive Structure Involving Multiple Stakeholders

The task force brings together a wide range of actors from government agencies, academia, industry, and civil society. This multi-stakeholder structure reflects Banyuwangi’s commitment to developing shrimp aquaculture that benefits both the economy and the environment.

The organizational structure includes:

• Advisors:
  The Regent and Vice Regent of Banyuwangi.

• Supervisors:
  The Regional Secretary, the Assistant for Economic Affairs and Development, and the Head of Bappeda.

• Executors:

  • Chair: Head of the Banyuwangi Fisheries Office

  • Vice Chair: Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Fisheries, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Banyuwangi

  • Secretary I: Fisheries and Aquaculture Program Manager from a conservation/aquaculture organization

  • Secretary II: Head of the Aquaculture Study Program, Universitas Airlangga (Banyuwangi Campus)

• Eight Technical Commissions, each focusing on a specific aspect of sustainable shrimp farming:

  1. Environmental and Conservation

  2. Industrial Relations and Strategic Communications

  3. Regulations and Licensing

  4. Market Development and Supply Chain

  5. Human Resource Development

  6. Community Welfare and Empowerment

  7. Aquaculture Technology and Innovation

  8. Education and Tourism Integration

This structure ensures that all components of the value chain—technical, ecological, economic, and social—are addressed systematically.

Supporting Local Conservation and Sustainable Production Initiatives

The establishment of the task force aligns with Banyuwangi’s ongoing initiatives, such as the Shrimp Festival, which promotes sustainable, antibiotic-free shrimp farming and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies. These programs help raise awareness among farmers, strengthen regulatory compliance, and encourage innovation within the aquaculture sector.

By institutionalizing a dedicated task force, Banyuwangi strengthens its long-term commitment to balancing economic growth with ecological protection, particularly in coastal and estuarine ecosystems.

Towards a Competitive and Sustainable Shrimp Industry

Through this multi-sector collaboration, Banyuwangi hopes to:

• Improve coordination among stakeholders involved in shrimp production and marketing

• Enhance clarity and efficiency in licensing and regulatory processes

• Support innovation, research, and the adoption of sustainable technologies

• Strengthen market competitiveness for local shrimp products

• Promote community welfare and ensure fair distribution of economic benefits

• Protect coastal ecosystems and restore habitat critical for long-term aquaculture viability

The formation of the Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture Task Force represents a significant milestone for Banyuwangi. It signals a proactive effort to create a shrimp industry that is not only productive and globally competitive but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.