Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has inaugurated a task force dedicated to combating lobster seed smuggling as part of efforts to safeguard the country's marine resources and their economic potential.
"This task force will not take over the authority of ministries or agencies; it is expected to streamline authority and information while collectively mustering all the resources and operational capacity that we have," Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurrachman said.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Jakarta on Monday, he noted that the task force was established under Presidential Regulation No. 69 of 2026, with him serving in a steering role and Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono as executive chair.
Meanwhile, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Deputy Minister Didit Herdiawan Ashaf has been appointed to oversee the task force's day-to-day operations.
"The task force is responsible for coordinating data and information gathering, prevention efforts, response measures, and the identification of law enforcement targets," Dudung added, noting that law enforcement must be accompanied by initiatives to improve lobster seed governance and boost farmers' welfare.
He further highlighted plans to brief President Prabowo Subianto on the task force's performance and achievements through monthly evaluations.
Trenggono echoed Dudung's remarks at the same event, stressing that the task force is necessary because combating well-organized lobster seed smuggling networks requires coordinated action across multiple institutions.
He added that the task force, which he described as "a state instrument" against smuggling, is fully prepared to begin operations immediately after its inauguration to help ensure Indonesia can fully capitalize on the estimated 465.8 million lobster seeds produced annually.
"This potential must be managed properly to support aquaculture development, generate greater added value, and deliver economic benefits to communities," the minister said.
The inauguration followed a Jakarta Metropolitan Police operation that thwarted an attempt to smuggle some 150,000 lobster seeds on Sept. 3, 2026.
The Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry reported on Sept. 10 that a pilot lobster farming project in Batam, Riau Islands, had exported 339.5 kilograms of lobsters to Singapore.
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Translator: A. Ananda, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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