IPB University Academics: Lobster Seed Smuggling Emerges Due to Weak Regulation Enforcement
An attempt to smuggle lobster seedlings (BBL) worth nearly Rp30 billion at Merak Port was once again foiled by officials. In response to this, Dr Irzal Effendi, a lecturer at the Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at IPB University, highlighted the weak implementation of regulations as the root cause of the rampant illegal practices.
Dr Irzal explained that the prevalence of BBL smuggling is closely tied to the inadequate implementation of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation No. 07/PERMEN-KP/2024.
The regulation essentially permits the export of BBL from Indonesian territory through a joint venture scheme between Indonesian and Vietnamese companies, under the supervision of the Public Service Agency (BLU) of the Directorate General of Aquaculture (DJPB) at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).
“However, in practice, only a few companies from Indonesia and Vietnam are involved. Meanwhile, the demand for BBL in Vietnam remains high. As a result, smuggling routes, commonly referred to as ‘left routes, have emerged on the ground,” he said.
According to Dr Irzal, the small number of companies involved is most likely due to the complex regulations that must be complied with in both countries. In addition, the companies involved are generally new players in the industry.
Regarding environmental impacts, he stated that BBL smuggling does not have a significant direct impact on marine ecosystems, though further scientific studies are still needed. BBL smuggling has a greater impact on state revenue, sovereignty, and fisheries management.
However, the domestic lobster aquaculture sector is facing severe impacts. “The lobster aquaculture industry is being disrupted because the availability of seeds has to compete with parties that smuggle BBL. Smugglers are willing to buy BBL at higher prices, especially outside the harvest season,” he explained.
He added that the high price of BBL will reduce the competitiveness of cultured lobster products, and may even make them unprofitable. This is further compounded by the still-low performance of aquaculture (survival rate, growth rate) for this commodity in Indonesia.
Dr Irzal emphasized that BBL exports are not prohibited but regulated through a joint venture scheme. However, to break the smuggling chain, he suggested several solutions:
- Improving the implementation mechanism of Ministerial Regulation No. 07/2024, including simplifying the joint venture scheme.
- Increasing the number of participating companies to meet market demand suppresses the “left routes.”
- Developing breeding technology to produce 30-gram-sized larvae, creating a market for such larvae products, and innovating in lobster feed and health.
- Involving local governments with high BBL potential to develop coastal community human resources in mastering breeding technology. The value-added process for lobsters takes place at BBL centers.
- Expanding the market for farmed lobsters (weighing 200-500 grams) to reduce dependence on the Chinese market, which Vietnam already dominates.
“If these solutions are implemented consistently and comprehensively, then BBL smuggling practices can be curbed, and the domestic lobster aquaculture industry can develop more effectively,” he concluded. (Fj) (IAAS/ANF)
