MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The North Sumatra Provincial Government is developing focus areas for capture fisheries and aquaculture as one of its strategic regional programs. The initiative is aimed at improving the welfare of fishermen, strengthening the economy of coastal communities, and promoting sustainable management of fisheries resources.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government is developing fisheries areas through an integrated approach, covering activities from upstream production to processing and marketing. Through the North Sumatra Marine and Fisheries Agency, the regional government is working with the University of North Sumatra to prepare a master plan for the development of focus areas for
capture fisheries and
aquaculture.
Jenny Masniari Sinaga, Head of the Capture Fisheries Division at the North Sumatra Marine and Fisheries Agency, made the statement during a press conference organized by the North Sumatra Communication and Informatics Agency on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in the lobby of the Dekranasda Building at the North Sumatra Governor's Office.
"In 2026, we are initially focusing the development of
capture fisheries areas on the western and eastern coasts. In 2027, we will expand the development to the Nias Islands," Jenny said.
Production Potential as the Basis for Area Selection
Jenny explained that the regional government determines the locations of focus areas based on the potential and fisheries production of each region. According to the North Sumatra Marine and Fisheries Agency, total fisheries production in 2025 reached 382,127.77 tons.
For 2026, the government has set a fisheries production target of 383,036.91 tons in North Sumatra. By the second quarter of 2026, production had already reached 200,931.45 tons.
Several regions recorded relatively high fisheries production in 2025. They included Central Tapanuli Regency, Batubara Regency, Asahan Regency, and Tanjungbalai City. The government is using these data as one of the bases for determining which areas will be included in the focus-area program.
"These production data form the basis for our selection of locations as focus areas. The concept will be developed from upstream production to downstream processing. Fishermen will receive fishing equipment and other necessary support, followed by assistance for processing their catches," Jenny explained.
The concept is not limited to improving fishermen's ability to catch fish. The government is also preparing support for processing and marketing so that catches can generate greater economic value for local communities.
The development of these areas will also be adjusted to the characteristics of the respective fisheries management areas. Fisheries Management Area 572 includes the Nias Islands, including Nias, North Nias, West Nias and South Nias regencies, as well as Gunungsitoli City.
The western coastal area within this management zone includes Sibolga City and the regencies of Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli and Mandailing Natal. Potential fisheries products in the region include skipjack tuna, Euthynnus tuna species, Spanish mackerel, yellowfin tuna, mackerel, round scad, yellowfin trevally, sardine-like fish, mahi-mahi and pomfret.
Meanwhile, Fisheries Management Area 571 covers the eastern coast of North Sumatra. It includes Langkat Regency, Medan, Deli Serdang Regency, Serdang Bedagai Regency, Batubara Regency, Tanjungbalai City, as well as Asahan, Labuhanbatu and North Labuhanbatu regencies.
Various fisheries products have potential along the eastern coast, including mackerel, sardine-like fish, blood cockles, tetengkek fish, senangin fish, squid, Spanish mackerel, large-eyed snapper, whiteleg shrimp and round scad.
FISHERIES AREAS BASED ON REGIONAL POTENTIAL: Jenny Masniari Sinaga, Head of the Capture Fisheries Division at the North Sumatra Marine and Fisheries Agency, explains the development of focus areas for capture fisheries based on the potential and fisheries production of each region. (PHOTO: YT Hariono)
Processing and Value Addition at the Center
According to Jenny, the government's development of focus areas for capture fisheries is not solely intended to increase production. The program is also designed to improve fishermen's welfare, maintain the sustainability of marine ecosystems and strengthen the fisheries industry from production through processing.
The master plan being prepared jointly with the University of North Sumatra also includes the development of focus areas for salted-fish processing. The government has identified Sibolga, Asahan, Batubara and Tanjungbalai as areas for the planned development.
Processing fish into salted products is one approach to utilizing catches during periods of high fish production. The government expects catches that cannot be fully absorbed by the fresh-fish market to be processed, giving them a longer shelf life and potentially increasing their market value.
"We hope that the surplus fish in these areas can be processed into salted fish," Jenny said.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government is also integrating the development of capture fisheries focus areas with the "Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih" program. The initiative is part of the government's efforts to strengthen fishing communities by developing economic activities based on fisheries.
In 2025, the government established four "Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih" communities in North Sumatra, namely in Langkat, Serdang Bedagai, Asahan and Batubara regencies.
For 2026, the construction of "Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih" communities is planned in 11 areas along the eastern coast and 18 areas along the western coast of North Sumatra.
The integration of these programs is expected to strengthen the economic ecosystem of fishing communities. Support will not be limited to fishing activities but will also cover the processing and marketing of fisheries products. Through this approach, coastal communities are expected to benefit economically from the entire value chain.
POTENTIAL OF VANNAMEI SHRIMP AND SEAWEED: Muhammad Riza Kurnia Lubis, Head of the Aquaculture, Fisheries Product Processing and Marketing Division at the North Sumatra Marine and Fisheries Agency, explains the potential of vannamei shrimp and seaweed as key aquaculture products. (PHOTO: YT Hariono)
Shrimp Farming and Seaweed Receive Special Attention
In addition to capture fisheries, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is also developing the aquaculture sector. Muhammad Riza Kurnia Lubis, Head of the Aquaculture, Fisheries Product Processing and Marketing Division at the North Sumatra Marine and Fisheries Agency, said the region has significant potential for the development of aquaculture products.
According to Riza,
vannamei shrimp is among the products receiving particular attention because of strong market demand. The product is also already marketed in export destinations, meaning its development could generate additional economic value for
aquaculture businesses.
Besides vannamei shrimp, the regional government is also focusing on seaweed. The commodity has opportunities in export markets, prompting the government to promote its development as part of efforts to diversify the aquaculture economy.
"There are also several other products that North Sumatra is focusing on. This year, we have also prioritized seaweed, which is in demand in export markets," Riza said.
The development of aquaculture complements the regional government's strategy to expand the marine and fisheries sector. By developing capture fisheries and aquaculture simultaneously, the government aims to establish a fisheries-based economic area that connects production, processing and marketing.
Through the master plan for
fisheries focus areas, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is placing the potential of each region at the center of its development strategy. This approach also creates opportunities to strengthen local products, increase the added value of fisheries commodities and expand market access for fishermen and
aquaculture businesses.
The program also places sustainability as an important component of marine resource management. The government is encouraging communities not only to increase production but also to manage fisheries resources while taking into account ecosystem conditions and the long-term availability of fish stocks.
By developing the sector from upstream production to downstream processing and marketing, the
fisheries focus areas are expected to create stronger economic chains in North Sumatra's coastal regions. Fishermen and
aquaculture operators are expected not only to serve as producers of raw materials but also to gain better opportunities to benefit economically from the processing and marketing of fisheries products.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala