Indonesia Prioritises Local Employment in Waingapu Integrated Shrimp Farm Project
Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries says local communities will play a central role in the construction and operation of the Waingapu Integrated Shrimp Farm (ISF) in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. The Rp7.2 trillion (approximately US$423 million) national strategic project is expected to create thousands of jobs while supporting coastal livelihoods. According to official statements reported by ANTARA, the initiative also aims to strengthen sustainable aquaculture practices and reduce poverty in surrounding communities.
The project reflects wider efforts by Indonesia to expand economic opportunities through strategic development initiatives alongside broader national programmes, including efforts to build stronger digital infrastructure and partnerships, such as those outlined in Indonesia’s push for public–private partnerships to support the digital ecosystem.
Preparing Local Workforce for Aquaculture Operations
I Nyoman Radiarta, Head of the ministry’s Marine and Fisheries Extension and Human Resources Development Agency, said the government is prioritising workforce preparation to ensure residents of East Sumba can participate directly in the project.
“We are ensuring the preparation of the local workforce so that they can contribute. We are heavily focused on human resource development, particularly for East Sumba residents who lack prior experience,” — I Nyoman Radiarta, Head of Marine and Fisheries Extension and Human Resources Development Agency, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries
To support this objective, the ministry plans to deliver specialised training programmes lasting between 12 and 16 months. These programmes are intended to equip residents with the technical and operational skills required for large-scale shrimp farming.
Initial studies conducted by the ministry estimate that the integrated shrimp farm could employ around 8,820 local workers. Officials also project that both the construction and operational phases may reduce poverty levels in surrounding communities by up to 55%, potentially improving the welfare of approximately 35,820 people, including workers’ families.
Integrated Aquaculture Model Designed for Sustainability
The Waingapu shrimp farm is intended to serve as a pilot model for modern, sustainable aquaculture development. According to Tb Haeru Rahayu, Director General of Aquaculture at the ministry, the project applies standard operating procedures aligned with recognised best aquaculture practices.
“We adopt SOPs based on best practices, covering everything from water intake and reservoir processing to pond management and wastewater treatment plant management, ensuring there is no negative impact on the environment,” — Tb Haeru Rahayu, Director General of Aquaculture, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries
The design builds on earlier aquaculture development in Kebumen, Central Java. While that project operates under an estate-based model, the Waingapu development introduces a more fully integrated system intended to improve production sustainability while expanding employment opportunities.
Large-Scale Aquaculture Development in East Sumba
The Waingapu ISF is located in Palakahembi Village and Watumbaka Village in the Pandawai sub-district of East Sumba. The project area covers around 2,150 hectares, with approximately 1,361 hectares designated for development.
Once fully operational, the site is expected to produce about 52,000 tonnes of shrimp annually. Current construction activity remains focused on individual ponds, although heavy machinery has been operating on-site as documented in project updates dated 31 March 2023.
The Indonesian government has set a target to complete the development within three years. The initiative forms part of broader national economic development efforts that also include strengthening financial and digital infrastructure, such as recent measures aimed at improving payment systems to support Indonesia’s digital growth.
