Indonesia’s mini-RAS expansion to drive aquaculture feed demand

INDONESIA – Indonesia is planning to develop 40,000 mini-recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) with Australia, a major expansion of intensive fish farming that could increase demand for commercial aquaculture feed across hundreds of villages.

The systems will initially support tilapia and catfish production before being expanded to pangasius, barramundi, grouper and jade perch. 

The programme forms part of Indonesia’s wider cooperation with Australia to raise aquaculture productivity and strengthen food security.

Scaling intensive fish production

Mini-RAS continuously treats and recycles water, allowing farmers to maintain controlled production conditions while using less water. 

Indonesia’s Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry expects the technology to improve productivity and production efficiency.

The planned rollout follows Indonesia’s broader expansion of its thematic inland aquaculture programme. 

The government is targeting 40,000 locations by 2029, following 100 pilot locations in 2025 and a planned 2,000 locations in 2026.

The expansion is significant because RAS-based production relies on controlled feeding to support fish growth while maintaining water quality. 

As more farmers move towards intensive production systems, demand for consistent-quality feed is likely to become increasingly important.

Tilapia and catfish will be the initial focus of the mini-RAS programme, giving feed suppliers an opportunity to support production in two major freshwater aquaculture segments. 

The planned expansion to pangasius and other species would further broaden the potential feed market.

Australia provides technology support

Indonesian Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said he had observed RAS technology in Tasmania and was ready to adopt it in Indonesia.

Australia is expected to contribute technical expertise, with Ambassador Rod Brazier highlighting the country’s experience in aquaculture research aimed at increasing productivity while reducing environmental impacts.

The cooperation is intended to extend beyond investment to technology transfer, production-capacity building and community development.

Combining more intensive production systems with technology transfer will help Indonesia seek to raise fish output at the village level while strengthening domestic supplies of affordable fish protein.

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