Arabfields, Jamel derbal, Senior Correspondent, Innovation & Sustainability, Singapore — Indonesia is steadily positioning itself as a powerhouse in the global tuna industry, with a clear focus on securing a dominant share of Japan’s lucrative market through strategic trade negotiations and domestic improvements. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, known as KKP, is actively pursuing the elimination of tariffs on exports of tuna, skipjack, and eastern little tuna to Japan as part of amendments to the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. This move represents a calculated effort to boost the competitiveness of Indonesian fisheries products on the international stage, allowing the country to challenge established players and climb to the top exporter position in one of the world’s most demanding seafood markets.

At present, Indonesian exports of both canned and non-canned processed tuna products to Japan face a tariff of 9.6 percent, a barrier that officials believe significantly hampers growth potential. By removing this tariff, Indonesian exporters would gain a substantial price advantage, making their products more attractive to Japanese buyers who prioritize quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Acting director general for the Competitiveness Strengthening of Marine and Fisheries Products, Machmud, has expressed strong optimism about the outcomes of these negotiations, stating that tariff-free access would make Indonesian tuna and skipjack far more competitive, paving the way for the country to claim the number one spot in Japan’s import rankings.

The foundation for this ambition is already firmly in place, supported by impressive export performance data. Current exports of these products to Japan are valued at approximately 30.28 million US dollars, securing Indonesia a solid third-place ranking among suppliers. More telling is the compound annual growth rate of 13.28 percent, a figure that outpaces key competitors such as Thailand at 12.12 percent and the Philippines at 6.31 percent. This superior growth trajectory demonstrates Indonesia’s momentum in the sector, driven by abundant natural resources, expanding processing capabilities, and a growing emphasis on value-added products. Tuna and skipjack already represent Indonesia’s second-largest fisheries export commodities, commanding a respectable 17 percent share of the market, which underscores their economic importance to the nation’s blue economy.

Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has voiced confidence in the potential for further expansion, not only in Japan but also in markets like Singapore and other international destinations. He emphasizes that sustained growth will depend on investments in critical infrastructure, particularly cold storage facilities, to preserve product quality during transportation and storage. Without reliable cold chains, even the highest-quality catch risks degradation, diminishing its appeal in premium markets where freshness and safety are non-negotiable. By prioritizing these developments, Indonesia aims to ensure that its tuna products meet the stringent standards expected by discerning consumers abroad, thereby supporting long-term export increases.

A pivotal advancement in this strategy came with the implementation of the National Fish Traceability and Logistics System, known as Stelina, which was rolled out nationwide in late 2025. This government-operated platform aligns with the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability standards, making Indonesia the first country to adopt such a comprehensive system at a national scale. Stelina enables end-to-end visibility in the supply chain, allowing buyers to verify the origin of the fish, the specific catching methods employed, and detailed processing information. In an era where global seafood purchasers demand transparency to confirm legal, sustainable, and ethical practices, this tool provides a significant edge. It is anticipated to dramatically boost international confidence in Indonesian products, reducing risks associated with illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing while highlighting the country’s commitment to responsible management.

Looking ahead, the successful removal of tariffs combined with Indonesia’s already robust growth metrics points to a transformative future for its tuna exports. If the tariff barrier is lifted in the near term, the existing 13.28 percent compound annual growth rate could accelerate further, potentially pushing export values well beyond the current 30 million US dollar mark within the next few years. Given that this rate already surpasses those of Thailand and the Philippines, Indonesia is well-positioned to overtake these rivals and secure the top supplier position in Japan by the end of the decade, assuming negotiations conclude favorably and infrastructure investments keep pace. Such a shift would not only elevate Indonesia’s ranking but also increase its overall market share significantly, possibly approaching or exceeding 25 percent as new buyers flock to tariff-free, traceable products.

Broader implications extend beyond Japan, as the enhanced competitiveness and traceability credentials are likely to open doors in other high-value markets across Asia, Europe, and North America. With Stelina fully deployed across major fishing centers, the system will facilitate downstream processing, create higher value along the supply chain, and contribute to national economic growth while promoting ecological sustainability. This holistic approach could result in a doubling of tuna export revenues over the coming decade, fostering job creation in coastal communities, bolstering foreign exchange earnings, and reinforcing Indonesia’s role as a leader in sustainable fisheries.

Moreover, as global demand for responsibly sourced seafood continues to rise amid concerns over overfishing and environmental impact, Indonesia’s proactive measures position it to capture an even larger slice of the international pie. Future expansions in cold storage and logistics will ensure that perishable products reach distant markets in optimal condition, minimizing waste and maximizing profits. In this evolving landscape, Indonesia’s tuna industry appears poised for sustained dominance, transforming from a strong contender into the undisputed leader, with ripple effects that strengthen the nation’s maritime economy for generations to come.

The journey toward this vision involves ongoing diplomatic efforts, technological integration, and infrastructure development, all converging to capitalize on Indonesia’s natural advantages in tuna abundance. As these elements align, the prospects for Indonesia becoming the premier exporter to Japan, and indeed a global frontrunner, grow increasingly realistic, promising a brighter future for one of the world’s most vital fisheries sectors.