su-re.co Presents Preliminary Findings on Technology Gaps in Indonesia’s Fisheries Sector at National Decarbonisation Workshop

Jakarta, Indonesia May 2026  su-re.co participated in the Indonesia Fisheries Decarbonisation Workshop organized by the International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on 19–20 May 2026 in Jakarta. The workshop brought together government representatives, industry stakeholders, development organizations, and technical experts to discuss pathways toward a more resilient and low-carbon fisheries sector in Indonesia.

Under the theme “From Innovation to Impact: Strengthening the Resilience of Indonesian Fisheries for a Low-Carbon Economy,” su-re.co shared preliminary findings from its ongoing study, Technology Gaps for Sustainable Fisheries in Indonesia, conducted in collaboration with GIZ.

The study explores key infrastructure and energy challenges affecting fisheries productivity, value creation, and emissions reduction, particularly in remote coastal regions where fisheries play a vital role in local economies and food security.

Fisheries Remain a Strategic Pillar of Indonesia’s Economy

Indonesia’s fisheries sector is a critical contributor to national development. In 2024, fisheries generated approximately Rp407 trillion, accounting for around 2.54% of Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As the world’s second-largest fish producer, Indonesia possesses significant potential to strengthen its position within global seafood markets.

Beyond its economic contribution, the sector supports the livelihoods of more than 12 million Indonesians, making it one of the country’s largest employment sectors. Fisheries also play a fundamental role in food security, with fish contributing approximately 15% of daily animal protein consumption nationwide.

Despite this strategic importance, substantial gaps remain between the sector’s production potential and the value ultimately captured by fishing communities and regional economies.

Identifying Critical Technology Gaps

During the workshop, su-re.co presented an initial assessment highlighting three interconnected technology gaps that continue to constrain the development of sustainable fisheries in Indonesia.

1. Limited Cold Chain Infrastructure

Maintaining product quality is essential for accessing premium domestic and international seafood markets. However, many fishing communities lack adequate cold storage and ice production facilities at landing sites.

For high-value products such as sashimi-grade tuna and premium black tiger shrimp, uninterrupted temperature control is crucial. Even minor disruptions in the cold chain can significantly reduce product quality and market value, resulting in substantial economic losses for fishers and supply chain actors.

As many premium fishing grounds are located in remote regions, inadequate cold-chain infrastructure remains a major barrier to maximizing fisheries value.

2. Limited Access to Reliable Electricity

Cold storage systems depend on stable electricity supplies. However, many fisheries hubs operate in areas where power systems face capacity constraints, particularly during periods of peak demand.

Although some regions may have sufficient annual electricity availability, they often lack the peak power capacity required to support additional cold-chain infrastructure. This limits opportunities for fisheries modernization and downstream processing activities.

In many remote areas, electricity generation continues to rely heavily on diesel-based systems, creating high operating costs and long-term fiscal burdens.

3. Dependence on Carbon-Intensive Energy Sources

The study also highlights the continued reliance on fossil-fuel-based electricity generation in several fisheries regions, particularly in eastern Indonesia.

This dependence not only increases operating costs but also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions throughout the fisheries value chain. Since energy consumption represents one of the largest sources of emissions in fisheries operations, transitioning to cleaner energy sources presents a significant opportunity to support both economic and environmental objectives.

Renewable Energy Solutions Can Accelerate Transformation

According to the study’s preliminary findings, several proven and commercially available technologies could help address these challenges.

These include:

• Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems combined with battery storage to support cold-chain operations;

• Renewable energy generation projects that strengthen regional electricity supply; and

• Solar-powered ice plants and cold storage facilities located directly at fisheries landing sites.

Implementing these solutions can improve product quality, reduce post-harvest losses, lower operational costs, and decrease dependence on diesel-based electricity generation.

The study indicates that integrating renewable energy into fisheries cooling systems could reduce product carbon footprints while strengthening the long-term competitiveness of Indonesia’s fisheries sector.

Unlocking Impact Through Collaboration

While the technologies required to address these challenges are already available, scaling implementation will require stronger collaboration between government agencies, utilities, private sector actors, development partners, and investors.

Strategic alignment is needed to ensure that renewable energy solutions are integrated into fisheries infrastructure planning from the outset, particularly in regions where infrastructure gaps and economic opportunities are most significant.

The workshop highlighted the importance of demonstration projects, integrated procurement approaches, and financing mechanisms that can accelerate investment in sustainable fisheries infrastructure.

Supporting National Development Priorities

The transition toward renewable-energy-powered fisheries infrastructure has the potential to support several national priorities simultaneously.

Improved cold-chain systems can increase local value addition and strengthen fisheries downstreaming initiatives. Reduced dependence on diesel generation can help lower long-term subsidy requirements, creating fiscal benefits for the government. At the same time, expanding renewable energy deployment contributes directly to Indonesia’s climate commitments and long-term net-zero emissions targets.

These interconnected benefits demonstrate how targeted investments in sustainable fisheries infrastructure can deliver economic, social, and environmental value at the same time.

Looking Ahead

The findings presented during the Indonesia Fisheries Decarbonisation Workshop represent an important first step in identifying practical pathways toward a more resilient and low-carbon fisheries sector.

As the study continues, su-re.co remains committed to working alongside government institutions, industry stakeholders, and development partners to generate evidence-based solutions that strengthen coastal livelihoods, improve resource efficiency, and support Indonesia’s sustainable development goals.

The findings presented at the workshop are preliminary and form part of an ongoing study being conducted by su-re.co in partnership with GIZ.

For more information about su-re.co’s work in climate resilience, renewable energy, and sustainable development, visit www.su-re.co.