Indonesia’s leading shrimp industry association, Shrimp Club Indonesia (SCI), has appointed Prof. Andi Tamsil as its new leader, though his official inauguration is still pending. He isn’t a newcomer to the industry, as he has been involved since SCI’s founding two decades ago.

Early in his career, Andi worked in shrimp farms and hatcheries before transitioning into academia, where he now focuses on shrimp aquaculture research and development. In addition to his role as a lecturer, he also serves as a consultant for shrimp farming and related products such as probiotics and minerals.

With those strong backgrounds, Andi brings a wealth of experience to the role. His leadership is expected to be instrumental in guiding SCI and the shrimp industry through today’s challenges.

The Crust had the honor of speaking with Prof. Andi Tamsil despite his busy schedule.

TC: What are SCI’s main goals for 2025, Prof. Andi?

AT: In recent years, Shrimp Club Indonesia (SCI) and other stakeholders have been dealing with several major challenges across the industry. One of the biggest concerns is regulation. Over the past three to four years, many shrimp farmers have struggled with overlapping rules, as well as regulations that feel unnecessary, cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly to comply with. SCI has raised these concerns with the relevant ministries and agencies over the past two years.

Recently, we met with the Deputy and Assistant Deputy at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs to discuss simplifying the shrimp farm permitting process. We reviewed which requirements could be removed and which should be refined for more effective implementation. However, the process isn’t final yet – at least one or two more meetings will be needed to reach a conclusion.

Another major challenge is disease, which continues to impact shrimp farming and reduce production. To address this, both SCI’s central and regional management have been working closely with input producers to ensure they produce disease-free and high-quality seed and feed. We also support the distribution of various products that help minimize disease risks, such as probiotics and minerals developed by our industry partners.

The third key issue is antibiotics. We continue to emphasize our stance that antibiotics must not be used in shrimp farming. There are two main reasons for this. First, major export markets like the European Union, Japan, and the United States have strict zero-tolerance policies for antibiotics in seafood products. Second, antibiotic use can lead to disease resistance, posing serious risks to both shrimp farming and public health.

Since its founding in 2005, SCI has actively campaigned across Indonesia to discourage farmers from using antibiotics. I was part of the team that traveled the country spreading this message.

On Friday, March 21, at the Mercure Hotel Cikini Jakarta, we reaffirmed our commitment to antibiotic-free shrimp farming. This pledge was supported by representatives from the Coordinating Ministry of Food, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and key industry stakeholders including the Indonesian Young Shrimp Farmers Association (PMI), Indonesian Veterinary Medicine Association (Asohil), and Indonesian Feedmills Association (GPMT), etc

ShrimpFarming #Aquaculture #SustainableFarming #AntibioticFree #ShrimpIndustry #RegulationReform #ProbioticsInAquaculture #MarineFisheries #ShrimpClubIndonesia #IndonesianAgriculture #FoodSecurity #ShrimpFarmers #AquacultureResearch #FoodSafety #SustainabilityInAgriculture

Reference
https://issuu.com/thecrust/docs/the_crust_-_issue_30

Expert
The resource person for the event was Prof. Andi Tamsil

Chief Editor
Rizky Darmawan - THE CEO

Welcome to this month’s issue of THE CRUST! As we enter March, I’d like to take a moment to wish a blessed fasting season to those who observe it, and a heartfelt Eid al-Fitr Mubarak in advance. May this season bring peace, reflection, and prosperity to all.

This month, I had the opportunity to attend SENA in Boston, one of the world’s largest seafood exhibitions. While there were notable improvements in the variety of consumer products, it was evident that the market remains sluggish. Sales continue to struggle, weighed down by economic uncertainty, cautious buying behavior, and persistent global challenges. Industry players are adapting, but the road to recovery still seems distant.

Once again, Ecuador dominated the show, showcasing impressive booths and a strong industry presence. Their ability to market their shrimp effectively and present a unified front is something other shrimp-producing nations should take notes on. Collaboration and strategic branding are essential in an increasingly competitive market, and Ecuador has set a high standard that others should consider following.

Meanwhile, back home in Indonesia, shrimp farmers are facing a serious battle against EHP. The disease has now reached Lombok and Sumbawa, regions that were previously known for their resilience against shrimp diseases. The spread of EHP underscores the ongoing challenges in shrimp farming and the need for constant vigilance, innovation, and collaboration to keep the industry moving forward.

Despite these challenges, hope is not lost. Many parties are actively searching for solutions, and a variety of treatment and management strategies are available in the market. It is up to farmers to test and implement the right approach for their farms. Challenges will always arise, but so will solutions. The key is to stay resilient, informed, and open to innovation.

Reference
https://issuu.com/thecrust/docs/the_crust_-_issue_30

Chief Editor
Rizky Darmawan - THE CEO

#ShrimpIndustry #SENASeafoodExhibition #EHPDiseaseInShrimp #ShrimpFarmingChallenges #GlobalSeafoodMarket #ShrimpProductionInnovation #EcuadorShrimpIndustry #SustainabilityInSeafood #SeafoodIndustryTrends #EconomicUncertaintyInAgriculture #AquacultureIndustryGrowth #ShrimpDiseasePrevention #ResilientFarmingPractices #FoodIndustryCollaboration #AquacultureInnovation