Osaka, Kansai, Japan – The Indonesia Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka hosted its first business forum titled Tuna Talks: Exploring Tradition, Heritage & Sustainability in Indonesia’s Tuna Fisheries on Friday (2 May). The event was initiated by the Indonesia Tuna Consortium, comprising Masyarakat dan Perikanan Indonesia (MDPI), Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), Yayasan IPNLF Indonesia (YII), Marine Change, and FairTrade USA (FTUSA), and coordinated by Resonance Global. Coinciding with World Tuna Day on 2 May, the forum served as a critical space for dialogue on sustainable tuna fishing practices in Indonesia and emphasized the importance of international collaboration and sustainable ocean governance.

Strategic Lead of the Indonesia Tuna Consortium Thilma Komaling underscored that the economic value of tuna goes far beyond export volume.

“Each slice of sashimi tuna is not just a trade product—it symbolizes the struggles of fishers, the hopes of families, and the commitment of two nations in building a sustainable blue economy,” she said.

Seafood Legacy representative Aiko Yamauchi also highlighted Indonesia’s key role in the global tuna supply chain. “Indonesia is currently the second-largest tuna supplier to the Japanese market, contributing to a total global export of 52,700 tons,” she noted.

One of the fishing methods highlighted during the forum was the traditional Huhate or pole-and-line technique, commonly used in Maluku, Ternate, and Tidore. This method is considered more environmentally friendly as it targets only large fish, avoids bycatch, and does not damage marine habitats.

Kai García Neefjes of YII explained that Indonesia has much to learn from Japan’s practices. “One thing we’ve learned from Japan is how they manage their tuna fisheries with great care. They have systems that keep bait fish alive longer on board, allowing for more efficient and eco-friendly fishing. We aim to adapt some of these techniques in Indonesia to improve local fishers’ catch quality without harming marine ecosystems,” he explained.

Sri Sumiati Jalil of the MDPI added that strengthening fisher community institutions is also key to achieving fairer fisheries. “Sustainable economies begin with organizing fisher communities into cooperatives, reducing their dependency on local middlemen. By creating shorter and more profitable supply chains, they can gain direct benefits from their catch and minimize losses,” she said.

Meanwhile, Glaudy Perdanahardja of YKAN emphasized the importance of effective fishing area management. “One of the biggest challenges in fisheries management is determining the right areas and timing to maintain stock balance. Area closures, such as those implemented in the Banda Sea to support tuna stock recovery, are difficult decisions but necessary steps to protect Indonesia’s highly productive fisheries ecosystems,” he stated.

This Tuna Talks business forum marks Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its role as an archipelagic nation committed to sustainable marine resource management, while showcasing local practices like Huhate as tangible examples of a blue economy that balances ecological, economic, and social values.

“Indonesia’s participation in World Expo 2025 Osaka is not only about showcasing our natural and cultural wealth but also about exploring investment opportunities and fostering collaboration with other nations,” explained Indonesia Pavilion Director Didik Darmanto.

Indonesia Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Fisheries through Tuna Talks forum at World Expo 2025 Osaka