Keeping Fish Like It is Gold: Cold Chain Issues in Indonesian Tuna and Tuna-Like Traditional Fisheries Nicholas Sidharta
Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University
Abstract
Between 2010 and 2020, over a thousand cases of Indonesian seafood exports were rejected by the US and Europe, leading to an estimated annual economic loss of USD 3.48 million. The primary reasons for these rejections include microbial contamination and temperature-related issues, both of which are closely tied to the lack of a proper cold chain system in Indonesia. This paper aims to describe the current practice of fish preservation method in Indonesia, compare it with best practices from Bitung and other literatures, dissect the challenges of preserving fish in Indonesia, and to provide targeted recommendations. The research employs a case study methodology, focusing on traditional tuna and tuna-like fisheries along the southern coast of Java and in Bitung. Informal interviews and observations were conducted during the first semester of 2023. Key stakeholders include coastal communities in Sadeng, Prigi, Depok, and Bitung Fishing Port, merchants at Kranggan Traditional Market Yogyakarta, and regional fish suppliers in Yogyakarta. The cold chain systems are mapped and analyzed to identify critical issues. The paper concludes with recommendations to enhance collaboration between coastal communities and policymakers, improve fish handling with adequate ice and cooling, incentivize cooling facilities at fishing ports, and explore alternative non-thermal preservation methods.
Keywords: cold chain, fish preservation, case study, traditional fisheries, Indonesia
