MDPI Highlights Small-Scale Fishers Supporting Tuna Exports at Tuna Talks, World Expo 2025 Osaka
- May 8, 2025
by Indonesia Tuna Consortium
At the Tuna Talks: Exploring Tradition, Heritage & Sustainability in Indonesia’s Tuna Fisheries forum on Friday (May 2), MDPI spotlighted the needs of small-scale fishers. Held at the World Expo 2025 Osaka, the forum was organized by the Indonesia Tuna Consortium in collaboration with the Indonesia Pavilion, providing a platform to explore sustainable tuna business practices in Indonesia.
Thilma Komaling, Strategic Lead of the Indonesia Tuna Consortium, emphasized that the economic value of tuna goes beyond export volume. “Every slice of sashimi tuna represents more than trade—it embodies the struggles of fishers, the hopes of their families, and the shared commitment of two nations to build a sustainable blue economy,” she said.
The Critical Role of Indonesia’s Small-scale Fishers in Japan
Aiko Yamauchi from Seafood Legacy underlined Indonesia’s critical role in the global tuna supply chain. “Indonesia is now the second-largest supplier of tuna to Japan, contributing significantly to the global export total of 52.7 thousand tons,” she noted.
Sri Jalil, Fair Trade Coordinator, pointed out that small-scale fishers play a key part in this success. According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, about 20% of the country’s tuna exports to Japan come from small-scale fishing communities.
This contribution underscores the urgent need to strengthen fisher community organizations and promote a fairer trade system. “Sustainable economies begin with well-organized cooperatives. These reduce dependency on middlemen and increase fishers’ bargaining power,” Sri explained.
Remote Tuna, Remote Communities
Small-scale fishers often live in remote, hard-to-reach areas and occupy the lowest tier of the supply chain. This isolation delays access to crucial information and business support.
But during crises, small-scale fishers tend to feel the impact first. Sri noted that MDPI has observed how reciprocal export tariffs, climate change, and the pandemic have severely affected their livelihoods. “They lack access to essential resources and knowledge to survive such shocks,” she said.
To address this vulnerability, speakers proposed creating shorter, more inclusive supply chains and fostering cross-sector collaboration. Small-scale fishers serve as the first link in the tuna supply chain. With the right support, they can continue to contribute to global food security.
“By shortening the supply chain and making it more equitable, fishers can benefit directly from their catch and reduce losses,” Sri added.
Sustaining Tuna, Together
Tuna Talks represents Indonesia’s commitment as an archipelagic nation to sustainable marine resource management. It reflects real practices of a blue economy that balances economic growth and environmental protection.
“Indonesia’s presence at World Expo 2025 Osaka is more than a showcase of natural and cultural richness—it’s an opportunity to unlock investment and partnership potential with other nations,” said Pavilion Indonesia Director Didik Darmanto.