East Kalimantan’s tiger prawn exports top 769.9 tonnes and back coastal incomes
East Kalimantan exported 769.9 tonnes of tiger prawns worth more than Rp173.3 billion in January-May 2026, with officials linking growth to sustainable aquaculture, faster logistics and stronger coastal incomes.
East Kalimantan is expanding its export profile through tiger prawns. ANTARA, citing the East Kalimantan Marine Affairs and Fisheries Service, reports that tiger prawn exports reached 769.9 tonnes in January-May 2026, with economic value above Rp173.3 billion, or about US$9.4 million. The article says tiger prawns account for more than half of the province’s total fishery export value.
The report notes that East Kalimantan also exports pink prawns, fresh grouper, silver pomfret and white shrimp. Even so, tiger prawns remain the flagship commodity. Fishery products from the province are now distributed to 12 main destination countries, with Japan, the United States, China and Malaysia named as the most established export markets.
Production is spread across four key districts. Kutai Kartanegara is the biggest source, with main production centres in Muara Jawa, Samboja and Anggana and average output of 45-55 tonnes per month, reaching 290 tonnes by mid-June. Berau follows with 28-35 tonnes per month and about 190 tonnes over nearly the first half of the year. Penajam Paser Utara produces 18-24 tonnes per month, or 125 tonnes from January to mid-June, while East Kutai contributes 8-12 tonnes per month, or 60 tonnes.
Logistics are a central part of the export story. The article says local authorities work with businesses to keep fresh products moving quickly, including a direct cargo flight from Balikpapan to Wenzhou in China operated twice a week by Rimbun aircraft. Officials say rapid delivery is essential for preserving the quality and value of fresh prawns, fish and crab when they reach buyers abroad.
The report also places strong emphasis on the Secure model of environmentally friendly cultivation developed with support from the Berau Fisheries Office and the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation. Under this model, only around 20% of land is used for cultivation while 80% is preserved as mangrove forest. Farmers are trained to make compost and local microorganisms from organic material around the ponds to maintain water fertility and cut reliance on chemical fertilizer. Farmer Abdul Rahman said the approach left cleaner water, fewer disease problems and about 15% higher tiger prawn output on his farm than under the traditional model.