South Kalimantan, Indonesia's Largest Crab-Producing Province

Indonesia, as a maritime nation, possesses abundant crustacean resources. These resources also underpin Indonesia's seafood exports.

From 2020-2024, approximately 45% of the total value of Indonesian fisheries exports originated from crustaceans. Furthermore, around two million people, or about 30% of on-farm fisheries workers, are employed in the on-farm capture and cultivation of crustaceans.

One of the most popular crustaceans among Indonesians is crab. Crab is also a prized seafood delicacy, commonly offered with a variety of seasonings.

Based on data from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, here are the 5 largest crab-producing regions in Indonesia in 2020:

1. South Kalimantan

Volume: 3,871 tons
Value: Rp 290.3 billion

2. East Kalimantan

Volume: 3,783.6 tons
Value: Rp 142.25 billion

3. South Sulawesi

Volume: 1,475.73 tons
Value: Rp 160.7 billion

4. West Java

Volume: 501.26 tons
Value: Rp 18.77 billion

5. East Java

Volume: 458.26 tons
Value: Rp 23.83 billion

In practice, local crab farming often faces several obstacles. These obstacles are caused by a scarcity of new crab seeds due to overexploitation and the capture of crabs using methods that do not meet international standards, such as the use of cyanide and other harmful substances.

As a result, the quality of Indonesian crabs is less competitive compared to those from competing countries.