Banyuwangi, 10 July 2020 – The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Republic Indonesia, Edhy Prabowo, visited PT Iroha Sidat Indonesia (ISI) which is part of PT Suri Tani Pemuka, a subsidiary of PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk (JAPFA) located in Banyuwangi, East Java. The visit, which was also attended by members of the House of Representatives (DPR), the Banyuwangi Regent, along with other local government officials, was a series of Work Visits of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries on the island of Java, accompanied by several Director general and KKP RI Board of Directors.

Established since 2012, ISI is committed to providing quality eel products with international standards supported by an integrated production process, a rigorous selection and supervision process, and a responsible and sustainable cultivation process. Located in Bomo and Karang Tekok, East Java, with a total operational area of 45.01 hectares, ISI has eel embankments, processing and cold storage facilities. The the cultivated eel is then further processed into value-added products for distribution to domestic and international markets.

Ardi Budiono, JAPFA's Head of Aquaculture Division said, "In addition to the integrated production process, we also implement sustainable eel cultivation through a restocking system. We always ensure the eel that we cultivate will be returned to nature. Since 2015, we have returned more than 250 thousand eels to their habitat."

Eel fish products are processed by applying international production standards and quality so that they can be accepted in foreign markets. Not only eel, JAPFA has continuously exported fishery products since 1992. In January to June 2020, JAPFA's Aquaculture Division has exported IDR 216 billion of aquaculture products in the form of fishery products such as processed eel, tilapia and shrimp products distributed in 14 countries in the American continent, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Even though Indonesia is being hit by a COVID-19 pandemic, JAPFA's commitment to continue to maintain the food supply chain continues. Of course, operations are carried out by prioritizing the security and safety of all parties in accordance with the health protocol so that they can still meet export demand.

"Exports are a strategic step taken by the company today. This is also in line with the government's program to improve the Indonesian economy. Therefore, JAPFA and its subsidiaries continue to maintain quality standards of quality and product services to meet domestic and foreign market demands, and support the Indonesian government's program in achieving the Indonesian Fisheries export target," explained Ardi.

Realizing the 3P principle (People, Planet, Profit), JAPFA's Aquaculture Division will also develop educational facilities in collaboration with the Banyuwangi Regency government. In this educational facility, visitors can see firsthand the process of eel and shrimp culture. In addition, visitors can also see the virtual eel processing. Visitors can also enjoy directly and buy processed eel products as souvenirs.

In addition, JAPFA's Aquaculture Division in collaboration with Japan's Kindai University and Universiti Malaysia Sabah, established the Research and Development Center which will later become a center for research and training in aquaculture. Through this facility, it is hoped that Indonesia's aquaculture industry can further develop and bring positive impacts to the community.