Aquaculture Pilot in Indonesia’s Pati Regency Demonstrates the Value of Government Collaboration

As the AgResults Indonesia Aquaculture Challenge Project concludes its fifth and final year, WWF-Indonesia launched a saline tilapia pilot in Jepat Lor Village, Tayu District, Pati Regency. This pilot showcases innovative practices within a government-managed aquaculture site, supporting AgResults’ broader goal of using Pay-for-Results prizes to encourage the private sector to drive smallholder farmer adoption of technologies and technical assistance (TA).

Transforming Local Farming Practices

Since 2014, Pati Regency has embraced farming saline tilapia to tackle the declining productivity in traditional shrimp-milkfish systems caused by water quality issues and disease outbreaks. With its adaptability and faster growth compared to milkfish, saline tilapia has become a key focus for the Marine and Fisheries Agency, reaching 7.5 thousand tonnes in 2023.

Currently, around 1,800 hectares of ponds across Tayu, Margoyoso, and Dukuhseti Districts are dedicated to saline tilapia production. Jepat Lor Village was selected as the pilot site due to its relatively well-established infrastructure, active farmer groups, and institutional readiness to support the project. Despite these advantages, the village struggled with productivity, producing only around 2.5 tonnes per cycle with a 40% survival rate. The pilot project aimed to improve these outcomes by refining feed management and introducing advanced aquaculture techniques, aligning Indonesia’s national aquaculture development goals.

The pilot, launched in October 2025 and lasting four months, involved collaboration with the Marine and Fisheries Agency of Pati Regency, BBPBAP Jepara, the Mina Barokah Fish Farmer Group, and five AgResults Indonesia competitors. In a 2,500 m² pond, 50,000 saline tilapia and 30,000 shrimp were stocked. BBPBAP Jepara provided quality seed, and technological support came from CV Asia Cahaya Teknik Prima, PT Bumi Wirastaraya Sejahtera, and PT Banoo Inovasi Indonesia (aerators) as well as CV Republik Vannamei and PT Venambak Kail Dipantara (autofeeders and aerators). Despite January flooding, the February 2026 harvest was successful, yielding 3 tonnes of tilapia with a 47% survival rate, outperforming neighboring ponds. This underscores the effectiveness of these innovations and sets a benchmark for the region.

Empowering Farmers with New Opportunities

Farmers who participated in the pilot were able to see the benefits firsthand.

“Despite the flooding, saline tilapia growth in this cycle was more optimal due to the support of technology, high-quality seed, and assistance from the Pati Regency Marine and Fisheries Agency,” said Nugroho, Head of Mina Barokah Fish Farmer Group. “With the same stocking density and culture period, fish at the pilot site reached 4–6 fish per kilogram, compared to 10–12 fish per kilogram in surrounding ponds. The harvest cycle was also shortened from the usual 3.5–4 months to 3 months and 10 days.”

This pilot project has strengthened government engagement through extension services, particularly in expert guidance. Ifan Ridlo, a representative of the Center for Marine and Fisheries Extension and Community Development, emphasized this need.

“The community requires tangible evidence, and the role of extension workers is critical, especially following technology implementation,” said Mr. Ridlo.

As advanced systems become more widely adopted, demand for technical assistance continues to increase, reinforcing the essential role of fishery extension officers.

Strengthening Partnerships for Lasting Impact in Aquaculture

The pilot’s achievements extend beyond immediate participants. Government involvement through DKP enhances trust among farmers and distributors, while real-world trials offer valuable feedback for refining products and services. As a credible testing ground, the pilot provides a pathway for technology and TA providers to gain visibility and expand their market reach. The project also strengthens public-private partnerships, crucial for widespread innovation adoption.

Sriwati, Head of the Pati Regency Fisheries Cultivation Division, expressed a commitment to disseminate these successful outcomes: “Given the vast potential for saline tilapia development in this regency, I hope the results of this project can serve as a comprehensive study that we will eventually socialize to other villages across Pati.”

The pilot in Pati Regency serves as a successful model and complement to the broader AgResults Pay-for-Results prize competition, bridging innovation and policy to reinforce sustainable aquaculture practices in Indonesia. By providing critical evidence and forging strong public-private partnerships, this activity has shown how to reduce risks for farmers, enhance productivity, and contribute to the long-term sustainability and growth of Indonesia’s aquaculture sector.