FISH CONSUMPTION IN INDONESIA

As a maritime country, Indonesia has a great potency in the marine sector. Indonesia produces 6 million tons of fisheries by 2014, but fish consumption in Indonesia is still relatively low. As of 2021, each individual in Indonesia consumed approximately 35.26 kilograms of fish. The fish consumption per capita in Indonesia was forecast to slightly increase by around 0.15 kilograms per capita in 2031.

An intensive program called ‘Gemarikan’ is implemented. The ‘Gemarikan’ is a government program to increase the community fish consumption. The program aims to improve the protein consumption derived from fish which relevant with the government's policies to improve the quality of life of Indonesian people, outright increasing the economic of marine and fisheries.

Out of the many types of fish, there are some of the most popular and preferred by most Indonesian. The taste is tasty and the soft texture is often the reason, like some of these following fishes:

1. Mackerel

Indonesians usually combine mackerel fish with various flour to produce batagor, siomay, pempek, and others. Not a few people who prefer to consume it with Balinese spices, yellow gravy, or the like.

2. Tuna

Tuna is one of the most popular fish species in the world, including Indonesia. The price is quite expensive considering the meat is very delicious, especially for sushi or sashimi. Tuna is very beneficial for the body because it contains high protein and amino acids. The meat also contains low fat, so it does not endanger the heart.

3. Catfish

Turning to freshwater fish, there are catfish that are slippery and have a mustache. This fish is so popular in Indonesia. The most favourite preparations are pecel lele. The soft and savory meat is perfect to be served with spicy chili.

4. Gurami

Gurami is one of the mandatory menus in seafood restaurants. Usually, Indonesians like to consume it in the form of fried gourami, grilled, sweet and sour, or the like.

5. Wader

Fried wader feels crunchy and savoury, best eaten with sambal and rice.