Ketapang’s Fisheries Sector : A Key Pillar of Food Security

Ketapang- The fisheries sector is becoming one of the most important pillars of food security in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan. With the longest coastline in the province and vast marine waters, Ketapang has enormous potential to increase fish production, strengthen local food supplies, and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities. According to Pitriyadi, Head of the Ketapang Food Security and Fisheries Agency, both capture fisheries and aquaculture represent valuable strategic assets for the region. “Ketapang has tremendous fisheries resources. We need to make the best use of this potential to support food security while also increasing incomes for fishers and fish farmers,” he said. Ketapang’s coastline stretches approximately 1,489 kilometers, making it the longest in West Kalimantan. The sector is supported by around 6,149 fishers and more than 3,074 fishing boats that operate daily in coastal and offshore waters. Recognizing the importance of these resources, the local government is working to boost fisheries productivity through fisher empowerment programs, aquaculture development, and investments in supporting infrastructure and facilities. One of the agency’s current priorities is mapping fisheries potential across the regency’s districts while also taking stock of existing assets. The goal is to ensure that available resources are used as effectively as possible to support community development and increase production. Pitriyadi, who was recently appointed as Head of the Food Security and Fisheries Agency by Ketapang Regent Alexander Wilyo on June 19, 2026, has already begun outlining strategic plans for the sector. His initial focus includes identifying fisheries opportunities, optimizing agency assets, and developing programs that can increase both production and value-added fisheries products. He hopes that a more data-driven and well-coordinated approach to fisheries management will help position Ketapang as one of West Kalimantan’s leading fisheries centers. With continued support from local government, fishers and aquaculture producers are expected to become more productive, strengthen regional food security, and contribute to the growth of the coastal economy.