Indonesia is a global leader in aquaculture production, particularly in shrimp and fish farming. Indonesia’s aquaculture output is projected to reach 7.07 million metric tons by 2030_^[1], reinforcing its role as a major contributor to global seafood supply.  This growth presents a significant opportunity for the use of sustainable, high-quality ingredients like U.S. Soy to meet the rising demand, particularly in the shrimp sector.

At the recent Shrimp Outlook 2025 conference in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 350 shrimp farmers, industry experts, and stakeholders gathered to explore ways to strengthen the sector while addressing key challenges. The event, co-hosted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and JALA, a leading aquaculture technology company,  focused on the theme “Shrimping Up Indonesia: Navigating Local Challenges with Global Insights”.

As one of the world’s largest shrimp producers, Indonesia continues to build on its strengths while adapting to shifting market dynamics and growing global demand for sustainability. International buyers are placing greater emphasis on biosecurity, traceability, and environmentally responsible production methods. The conference provided a platform for discussions on improving production efficiency, managing disease risks, optimizing water quality, and increasing profitability in a fast-evolving landscape.

A central theme of the event was the role of high-quality feed in supporting sustainable growth. USSEC emphasized how U.S. soybean meal (SBM) provides a consistent, responsibly sourced ingredient that enhances shrimp health and farm productivity. With feed accounting for a significant share of production costs, optimizing nutrition through sustainable inputs like U.S. Soy can improve both environmental outcomes and farm economics.

Soy has become the most widely used plant-based protein in aquafeed and U.S. Soy offers a scalable, sustainable alternative to fishmeal and helping reduce pressure on marine ecosystems. Its nutritional quality, cost-efficiency, and availability make it an ideal choice for producers seeking to meet sustainability goals without compromising on performance.

“We are entering a new era of innovation in aquaculture,” said Lukas Manomaitis, USSEC’s Southeast Asia Technical Director for Aquaculture. “Producers who adapt quickly, embrace sustainable practices, and use data-driven solutions will be well-positioned to thrive in the global market.” His remarks underscored the importance of forward-thinking approaches to production in a climate of rising consumer expectations and international standards.

Beyond feed and sustainability, the conference highlighted the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of Indonesia’s shrimp industry. By working closely with global partners—including technology providers and sustainability advocates—local farmers can access expertise, tools, and training to improve efficiency and build long-term resilience.

“Through our collaboration with USSEC, we aim to strengthen Indonesia’s shrimp farming ecosystem by empowering farmers with access to data, technology, and sustainable practices,” said Liris Maduningtyas, CEO of JALA. “This partnership underscores our shared commitment to advancing a more resilient and competitive aquaculture sector.”

The spirit of collaboration was further reflected by the participation of several distinguished international speakers, including Dr. George Chamberlain, President for The Center for Responsible Seafood and Ms. Yahira Piedrahita, Executive Director of the National Aquaculture Chamber of Ecuador, among others, reflecting the shrimp industry’s global relevance and the strategic importance of Indonesia’s role.

Shrimp Outlook 2025 reaffirmed that the path to a thriving, sustainable shrimp sector lies in continuous learning, innovation, and cross-sector cooperation. By adopting best practices and strengthening international partnerships, Indonesia’s shrimp farmers are not only preparing to meet global market demands—they are helping define the future of responsible aquaculture. 

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This article is funded in part by the soy checkoff.

[1] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Aquaculture Growth Potential in Indonesia, February 2024, https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/f294e186-8a2e-45cd-9bc5-773821ad0ddc/content