JAKARTA. Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti has called on Indonesians to start eating more fish in line with the increased production of fish in recent years.

She said fish production had reached 6.4 million tons in 2014, 7.1 million tons in 2016 and 9.9 million tons in 2016.

“I received information that this year, our fish production will reach more than 12 million tons,” said Susi during The Let’s Eat Fish Festival organized by the Indonesian Navy in Jakarta on Monday as reported by tempo.co.

She also welcomed the increase in fish consumption that reached 40 kilograms per capita per year in 2016, saying that it was good for the health of Indonesians.

She also expressed gratitude to the Indonesian Navy, water police and prosecutor’s office for their cooperation in fighting illegal fishing that had helped increase the productivity of Indonesian fishermen.  

She stressed she would continue to crack down on illegal fishing.

She also called on people to eat more fish to not only improve their health but to also improve the welfare of fishermen.

Susi said the campaign to encourage fish consumption should continue because fish had many nutritional benefits and was cheaper than beef and other meats.

Editor: Barratut Taqiyyah Rafie