UIN Jakarta Professor Highlights Maritime Innovation as Key to Indonesia's Food Security
Jakarta, UIN News Online — Strengthening Indonesia's food security requires looking beyond agriculture on land and placing greater emphasis on the country's vast maritime resources, according to Prof. Achmad Tjachja Nugraha, Professor of Agricultural Economics at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.
He argues that sustainable food security should be built on a comprehensive strategy that integrates fisheries, maritime technology, scientific research, and the development of coastal fishing communities.
"Indonesia's vision of food self-sufficiency cannot rely solely on land-based agriculture. Fishing villages should become centers of production, distribution, and community-based economic development supported by the country's marine resources," he said.
Prof. Achmad emphasized that improving the livelihoods of small-scale fishers requires more than infrastructure development. He called for broader adoption of modern maritime technologies, including oceanographic information systems, environmentally responsible fishing gear, energy-efficient fishing vessels, cold storage facilities, and integrated cold-chain logistics.
"Maritime technology must reach coastal communities directly. Appropriate technologies can improve productivity, enhance safety at sea, and increase the value of fisheries products," he explained.
He also underscored the importance of hydro-oceanographic data in supporting sustainable fisheries management. Accurate information on ocean conditions, he noted, plays a critical role in improving navigation safety, identifying productive fishing grounds, and helping fishing communities adapt to changing marine environments driven by climate change.
Beyond technology, Prof. Achmad stressed that research and innovation should become central components of Indonesia's long-term maritime development strategy. He encouraged stronger collaboration among government agencies, universities, and marine research institutions to ensure that scientific discoveries are translated into practical solutions for coastal communities.
"Research should not remain within laboratories. Scientific innovation and maritime technology must become integral parts of national development policies if we are to build resilient and sustainable fishing communities," he said.
He pointed to Indonesia's fisheries sector as a significant contributor to the national economy, supporting millions of livelihoods while generating substantial export revenues. As domestic seafood consumption continues to grow and production targets expand, he believes investment in research, technology, and human capital will become increasingly important.
According to Prof. Achmad, improving the welfare of fishers will also require stable market conditions, stronger social protection, and better access to domestic and international markets.
He concluded that achieving long-term food security will depend on coordinated efforts across sectors—including maritime infrastructure, technological innovation, scientific research, and evidence-based policymaking—to fully realize Indonesia's potential as a leading maritime nation.