Envirinews – Jakarta, The animated film “Finding Nemo,” released on May 30, 2003, introduced the world to the ornamental fish Nemo, none other than the Clown Fish, which captured global attention. This reef fish has become an icon for ornamental fish enthusiasts. For Indonesia, an archipelago nation, the Clown Fish is just one of 4,552 species of ornamental fish found in its seas. Some ornamental fish inhabiting coral reefs include the Banggai Cardinal Fish, native to the Banggai Islands, as well as the Lion Fish, Butterfly Fish, Goby, and many others, all adorned with vibrant colors. These ornamental fish are rare, unique, exotic, historically significant, and hold high market value.
According to Dr. Joni Haryadi, Head of the Ornamental Fish Cultivation Research Center at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, data from 2022 reveals that Indonesia is the world’s second-largest exporter of ornamental fish after China. Although China is the largest exporter, many of the ornamental fish are imported from Indonesia. They are then enhanced with special feed to intensify their colors, repackaged attractively, and exported to a global consumer network.
Indonesia must develop its ornamental fish industry from “downstream” to “upstream,” starting by seizing export opportunities while simultaneously improving the capabilities of ornamental fish breeders “upstream” through training, standardization, proper feed for each species, and appropriate packaging.
Globally, people keep ornamental fish to relieve stress, bring inner peace, inspire creativity, and improve focus. The top five provinces for ornamental fish farming in Indonesia are East Java, West Java, West Kalimantan, Central Java, and Jakarta. By 2022, approximately 21,091 people in Indonesia were engaged in ornamental fish farming, contributing significantly to local economies. According to data from the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS 2022), the top five importing countries for Indonesian ornamental fish are China, the United States, Japan, other Asian countries, and Singapore.
Although export earnings in 2022 reached only IDR 586 billion, Joni Haryadi has laid out a program to achieve an export target of IDR 1.6 trillion by 2029. This effort can bolster small and medium enterprises, as ornamental fish farming is often a household-based economic activity. With advances in digital information technology, the ornamental fish industry can attract more millennials to get involved.
As part of the “International Conference for Sustainable Coral Reefs” in Manado on December 13–15, 2024, with the theme: “Sustaining Coral Reefs: Science, Conservation, Resilience, and Development,” attended by participants from 22 countries, a session titled “Sustainable Marine Livelihood: Surviving to Thriving” will discuss the role of coastal communities in saving coral reefs while driving the economy, including through ornamental fish farming and export activities.
