Tilapia and Catfish: The Most Widely Cultivated Fish in Indonesia

Tilapia and catfish are Indonesia's leading aquaculture commodities. These two fish account for the largest national production: 29 percent for tilapia and 20 percent for catfish. The next most produced fish are milkfish (18 percent), carp (13 percent), and pangasius (9 percent).

The high production of tilapia and catfish is due to their simple farming methods, making them suitable for household-level operations. According to data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), cultivation of these two fish species is most prevalent on Java Island. Tilapia and catfish are highly popular among the Indonesian public, resulting in consistently increasing market demand.

The government continues to promote the development of aquaculture to balance the capture fisheries sector. This aims to meet the public's need for animal protein. In supporting the aquaculture sector, the government provides a range of operational assistance, financial aid, and training for fish farmers.