Seizing Europe’s Opportunity: Indonesia’s Ready to Take the Lead in Global with Sustainable Tuna
By : Abrizal Andrew Ang
Rewritten by: Allisya Syafiah Kusumawardani
Tangerang, October 17, 2025 – Indonesia is taking firm steps toward becoming a major player in global trade built on sustainability. At the seminar “Indonesia’s Business Potential in the European Union: Leveraging the Indonesia EU CEPA” held during Trade Expo Indonesia 2025, the Chairman of the Indonesian Pole & Line and Handline Fisheries Association (AP2HI), Abrizal Andrew Ang, outlined the strategic roadmap to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesia’s fisheries exports in the European market specifically on Sustainable Tuna.
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Building a Digital Foundation and Global Certification System
Speaking before national and international stakeholders, Abrizal emphasized that AP2HI’s decade-long journey is not just about survival—but about building a fisheries system the world can trust.
“Our 33 member team has worked day and night to develop a Digital Traceability Platform, ensuring every fish product can be traced from the sea to global markets,” he explained.
This initiative has become the cornerstone of Indonesia’s success in obtaining Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and FairTrade certifications making Indonesia the only country in the world to hold both certifications for pole and line fisheries.
Indonesia’s export markets have since expanded. What began with Japan and the United States has now reached the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, and Vietnam, proving that Indonesian sustainable seafood is gaining recognition in the global market.
Welfare and Compliance as Core Pillars
Beyond environmental sustainability, AP2HI also reinforces its commitment to social responsibility and labor welfare through the implementation of ILO C188. Although the regulation was initially met with resistance for being “too strict,” Abrizal asserted it is a vital part of a long-term strategy.
“We are building infrastructure to ensure our industry won’t be left behind when global regulations take effect. We don’t want to merely react—we want to be ready,” he stated firmly.
To ensure sustainability translates into real benefits for communities, Abrizal revealed AP2HI’s plan to explore a digital tipping system that allows consumers to directly support fishers by scanning product codes.
“We want to create a closer connection between buyers and fishers. They are not just workers they are the frontlines of Indonesia’s sustainable fisheries,” he added.
Tackling Global Competitiveness Challenges
Abrizal also highlighted one of the biggest challenges facing Indonesia’s fisheries sector: logistics costs and pricing structures.
“The cost of shipping fish from Papua to Jakarta can be three times higher than shipping from Jakarta to China,” he explained.
However, he stressed that the solution is not merely reducing production costs, but building value through quality and traceability that earns recognition in the marketplace.
New Opportunities through IEU – CEPA
Optimism continues to grow among stakeholders. A major Spanish company has even expressed readiness to begin purchasing fish from Indonesia in 2026 once the Indonesia Unified Catch Platform (IUCP) is fully implemented.
“If this succeeds, it won’t just boost export volumes. It will elevate the dignity of Indonesia’s fisheries,” said Abrizal with enthusiasm.
Through FairTrade and MSC, AP2HI continues its long journey toward a more inclusive fisheries future, where small-scale fishers become an integral part of a global, ethical supply chain.
Closing with Commitment
In his closing remarks, Abrizal reflected the spirit that has guided AP2HI over the past decade:
“Indonesia is not only selling high-quality seafood it is sharing a journey toward a fair, transparent, and sustainable fisheries system.”
With a strong foundation already in place, AP2HI positions Indonesia not just as a participant in global trade, but as a leader in the global transformation of sustainable fisheries.
