VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta. The Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Ministry has encouraged people to consume fish to meet protein requirements while fasting during the month of Ramadhan.

"There is no need to worry, as the supply of fish, which is a source of protein, is sufficient to meet the needs during Ramadhan until Eid Al-Fitr 2021," Director General of Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fishery Products (PDSPKP) Artati Widiarti stated during a press release here on Tuesday.

Widiarti made assurance that the supply of fish in various areas is safe and can meet the needs of the community.

Widiarti noted that as of March 31, 2021, the ministry had also sent letters to the head of the Marine and Fisheries Service in various regions across Indonesia, seeking to hold an economical fish market during Ramadhan, both online and offline.

Widiarti confirmed that the economical fish market could be held online through the #PasarlautIndonesia application and in collaboration with e-commerce players.

Meanwhile, offline low-cost fish markets can be held at traditional markets, modern fish markets, or places that are easily accessible to the public while still implementing health protocols.

"We are optimistic that the local government would play an active role in organizing and involving local MSMEs," she explained.

Widiarti pointed out that the protein source found in fish can also support community activities during fasting.

Based on a study by food practitioners from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Airlangga University, omega-3 fatty acids contained in tuna, mackerel, sardines, eel, milkfish, and catfish can control hunger in the body.

The omega-3 fatty acid content in fish can also last up to a temperature of 180 degrees Celsius despite undergoing various processes, such as boiling, frying, and baking.

"UNAIR researcher Muhammad Nur Ghoyatul Amin said that we can still enjoy the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids from fried fish, squeezed fish, fish stews, and also canned fish," she stated.

In the meantime, Director of Logistics of the Directorate General of PDSPKP Innes Rahmania explained that based on data analysis for 2020 and prognosis for 2021, the need for fish during April-May 2021 had reached 2,522,500 tons. Meanwhile, the prognosis for fish availability is 2,696,000 tons.

"The demand for fish is forecast to increase in the first week of Ramadhan and will stabilize again in the second week until Eid Al-Fitr. Seven days after the Eid Al-Fitr, the demand for fish is forecast to increase again in keeping with the needs of hotels, restaurants, catering, and souvenirs," Rahmania stated. (Antaranews)