Politics · Indonesia · 12 hrs ago
Indonesia launches task force to curb illegal exports of lobster seed
Indonesia has launched a task force to fight the illegal export of baby lobster, known locally as lobster seed.
The task force brings together government agencies and law enforcement to prevent smuggling, investigate cases and monitor exports.
A 2026 presidential regulation established the task force, while fisheries rules say lobster seed should be caught for farming carried out inside Indonesia.
Smuggling to countries such as Vietnam is estimated to cost the country Rp30 trillion to Rp40 trillion in potential income each year.
The government wants more lobster seed raised domestically, so the value can benefit Indonesian fish farmers and coastal communities.
The government says consistent enforcement could help manage an estimated 465.8 million lobster seed a year, including supplies from West Nusa Tenggara, southern Java and Sumatra.
Indonesia has launched a task force to prevent the illegal export of lobster seed.
The task force will coordinate prevention, enforcement and monitoring across government agencies and law enforcement bodies.
The government says illegal exports, including to Vietnam, could cost the country Rp30 trillion to Rp40 trillion in potential revenue each year.
Lobster seed caught in Indonesia is intended for aquaculture, with all cultivation required to take place domestically.
The government estimates Indonesia has 465.8 million lobster seeds a year that could be managed domestically.
- Who
- Indonesia’s government launched the task force, which will coordinate government agencies and law enforcement bodies.
- What
- A task force was established to prevent and combat illegal exports of lobster seed.
- When
- It was inaugurated on October 12; the article was published on October 18, 2026.
- Where
- Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Why
- To stop illegal exports that the government says drain national resources and limit the growth of domestic lobster aquaculture.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The government inaugurated the task force in Jakarta.
CNN Indonesia published its report on the task force.
- Task force
- Satuan Tugas Pemberantasan Pengeluaran Benih Bening Lobster Keluar dari Wilayah Negara Republik Indonesia secara Ilegal (Satgas P2BBL)
- Legal basis
- Presidential Regulation No. 69 of 2026
- Potential annual revenue loss
- Rp30 trillion to Rp40 trillion
- Estimated annual lobster seed potential
- 465.8 million
- Reported destination
- Vietnam
What people are saying
With integrated law enforcement, we must stop this leakage of resources. Indonesia’s lobster seed must become a source of growth for aquaculture and prosperity for people at home.
From the sea, we are losing a very large potential resource. Almost Rp200 trillion in potential marine resources is lost every year due to theft. One step to stop it is concrete and integrated law enforcement through the task force. We want Indonesia’s lobster seed to be cultivated domestically and add value for fishers and fish farmers.