Huhate: Indonesia’s Sustainable Pole-and-Line Tradition Strengthening Access to Premium Tuna Markets
Jakarta, 21 November 2025 — Indonesia continues to hold strong potential as a global supplier of sustainable tuna to premium international markets. According to data from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Indonesia’s tuna exports reached US$680 million in 2022, with demand for responsibly caught tuna growing over 15% annually across the United States, Japan, and the European Union. Among the country’s key strengths is the huhate (pole-and-line) method an indigenous, environmentally friendly fishing tradition.
On this year’s World Fisheries Day, the Tuna Consortium (TC) and the Indonesia Pole & Line and Handline Fisheries Association (AP2HI) reaffirmed that huhate, Indonesia’s long-standing pole-and-line fishing technique, is not only vital for marine ecosystem sustainability but also delivers significant economic benefits to coastal communities. The method provides a competitive advantage for Indonesia’s tuna industry in meeting rising global sustainability standards.
The message was delivered during a media dialogue attended by around 30 national journalists and content creators, focusing on the growing economic opportunities associated with responsible fishing practices.
Huhate: A Sustainable, High-Quality, and Selective Tuna Fishing Method
As the world’s largest tuna-producing nation, Indonesia carries an important responsibility to maintain a balance between productivity and the long-term health of fish stocks. The pole-and-line method locally known as huhate has been practiced for decades across the archipelago. It is widely recognized for being highly selective, efficient, low-impact, and producing premium-quality tuna, helping preserve tuna populations and strengthen Indonesia’s position in the sustainable tuna supply chain.
Thilma Komaling, Lead of the Tuna Consortium, emphasized that huhate is both a cultural heritage and an economic asset, enabling Indonesia to meet strict global sustainability requirements.
“Huhate creates sustainable jobs, increases fishers’ incomes, and strengthens a credible supply chain—key factors for meeting international standards that demand verified sustainable fishing practices,” Komaling said.
“Sustainable tuna means protecting the ocean as a reliable source of protein for today’s and future generations.”
Boosting Coastal Economies and Adding Export Value
AP2HI Chairperson Abrizal Ang highlighted that most pole-and-line operations are run by small and medium-scale enterprises that depend on local workers, from fishers to processors and distributors. As a result, huhate fishing creates a significant multiplier effect for coastal economies.
Tuna caught using this selective method also fetches 15–30% higher prices in export markets due to compliance with international certifications such as Fair Trade and Fisheries Improvement Program (FIP) standards.
“Supporting huhate means not only protecting tuna stocks but also ensuring stable incomes for thousands of fishing families and improving their long-term wellbeing,” Ang said.
Strengthening Indonesia’s Reputation as a Sustainable Tuna Leader
TC and AP2HI stressed that long-term economic value can only be achieved through environmentally responsible fishing. By advancing scientifically supported, selective pole-and-line practices, Indonesia can continue to strengthen its reputation as a leading supplier of sustainable tuna while increasing the competitiveness of its products in domestic and international markets.
This approach contributes directly to national food security and enhances Indonesia’s position in the global high-value fisheries sector.
Media as Key Partners in Promoting Sustainable Tuna
Through this event, the organizers hope media outlets can serve as strategic partners in communicating accurate information about the economic benefits of responsible, traditional fisheries. Promoting the narrative of pole-and-line tuna as a tradition that uplifts coastal economies is expected to generate broader public and stakeholder support.
Strong National Media Coverage (12 Major Outlets)
The story of Indonesia’s sustainable pole-and-line tuna reached wide audiences, with 12 national media platforms publishing articles following the Media Luncheon at Harkanas. Coverage appeared in:
This widespread coverage highlights growing public and industry interest in huhate as a powerful driver of sustainability, competitiveness, and economic opportunity for Indonesia.
By elevating huhate — a tradition rooted in responsibility and community — Indonesia strengthens its place in the global premium tuna market while safeguarding future generations.
About AP2HI
The Indonesia Pole & Line and Handline Fisheries Association (AP2HI) is committed to advancing the national tuna industry through responsible fishing practices, sustainable resource management, and maximizing economic value for coastal communities.
About Indonesia Tuna Consortium
The Indonesia Tuna Consortium is a collaboration between MDPI, YKAN, YII, Fair Trade USA, and Marine Change, focusing on tuna fishery sustainability through data provision, research, and community empowerment programs.
