Aruna Collaborated with Lasik and Maritime Foundation to Plant and Monitor Mangroves

On Sunday, February 25, 2024, Aruna collaborated with the Lasik Community to plant mangroves with a total of 1000 seedlings in Tanjung Batu, Berau, East Kalimantan. The high use of boats by fishers certainly contributed to CO2 pollution. Driven by this fact, the agenda resulted in various positive outputs, including protection against sedimentation, abrasion, and seawater intrusion, as well as a buffer against storms and salt-laden winds. A number of stakeholders were also invited, such as the Chairman of the Financial Audit Board, the Director of Village-Owned Enterprises, the Subdistrict Secretary, and the Head of the local Environment and Hygiene Agency, as well as Tanjung Batu mangrove craftsmen. 

Lasik itself is a youth community with the same vision as Aruna. This community is committed to preserving maritime nature with planting mangrove seedlings as one of its flagship programs. Coupled with Aruna’s strong connections with coastal communities and local government bodies, both parties are determined to make this agenda a milestone in protecting the coastal environment from all forms of damage. Secretary of Tanjung Batu Subdistrict, Tri Susanti S.Kom., M.M., said, “Activities like this should not leave the maintenance as well. In other words, a ceremony at the beginning doesn’t really count, but it’s more about how we can monitor and manage the post-care.”

Lasik and Aruna invited a lecturer from the University of Muhammadiyah Berau, Supriyadi Syam, S.Kel., M.Si.. The large number of mangrove planting areas that had not been optimized was the main factor that convinced Lasik and Aruna to insert the socialization agenda. “Restoration is to improve the ecological function of mangrove forests that have been degraded, but please note that restoration, rehabilitation is not then immediately successful only through replanting. Plant it and look after it. Tanjung Batu has many mangrove planting areas, but there are also many environmental degradation phenomena here—two things that complement each other,” said Supriyadi. 

Utari Octavianty, Aruna’s Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer, said, “The most fundamental thing that drives us to collaborate with Lasik is the positive outcome that we are likely to create. Mangrove planting can not only reduce the damage or abrasion of the beach, but can also be a place where fish breed and spawn. Our hope is that our initiation can help the community’s economy, while caring for the environment where we are.”

Aruna Helped Communities Get Capital from Banks: Financial Accounting was the Main Challenge

Aruna’s relationship with its partners wasn’t limited to transactional business relationships. On February 25, 2024, for example, Aruna held a training for fishing coastal communities that have joined Aruna’s business ecosystem. Held at Aruna Hub in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, the training on financial management and cash flow recording brought about the theme of “Building a Business Foundation: Financial Strategy and Management on Blue Swimming Crab”. This training targeted partners who particularly handled crab commodities, given blue swimming crab was one of the products with the highest demand in Aruna. 

Reflecting on coastal communities in Tanjung Batu, East Kalimantan, who welcomed this kind of financial education through regular collective savings initiatives, Aruna was then encouraged to do the same in Kendari. On this occasion, the objective was not only to activate the habit of saving, but also to educate Aruna’s partners on the right way to get access to loans or additional capital from banks. Head of the Trade, Cooperatives and MSMEs Office of Kendari city, Alda Kesutan Lapae, affirmed, “The main key when discussing any matter with banks is trust. How can banks give us their trust.”

Also inviting a local financial practitioner, Laode Rakhmad Darmawan, he mentioned that there were at least three types of important financial statements that needed to be regularly recorded in order to gain easier access to applications for capital and People’s Business Credit (Kredit Usaha Rakyat/KUR) from the government.  “First, the income statement. This report shows the difference between fish sales and purchase revenue, plus the operational costs. Second, a balance sheet report that shows the amount of assets or wealth, and liabilities or debts at a given time. There is also a cash flow statement that shows the income and the outcome of your business,” he explained. 

Hasbi Tawa, Area Manager in Southeast Sulawesi, said, “During the process here, we receive aspirations from many communities that we foster regarding the possible support in the form of capital. Meanwhile, most of these Aruna-assisted communities cannot pass administratively, so cannot get access to capital loans. In response to this, Aruna’s Community Development conducted an assessment. We then found that unsystematic cashflow recording was the issue, so the profitability of the business could not be read.”

Utari Octavianty, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Aruna, added, “With education and continuous guidance post-event, we want to ensure that our partners can get access to loans and/or additional capital from banks. This cash flow problem, we are optimistic, is something that can be addressed through educational agendas. Our Community Development Area together with Local Heroes also constantly approach Aruna’s partners. The goal is for them to really understand our objectives in organizing such events.”

Aruna Holds IOSF 2024, Emphasizing the Importance of ESG in the Fishing Industry

Jakarta, February 2, 2024 – Aruna, a leading fishing company in Indonesia, reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by holding the Indonesia Ocean Sustainability Forum (IOSF) 2024. The forum carried the theme “Navigating the Blue Economy: Promoting the Sustainable Indonesian Ocean Industry”.

IOSF 2024 presented renowned speakers from various disciplines, including academics, advisors, and government representatives. Discussions focused on the importance of implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in business practices to achieve sustainability in the fishing industry.

Prof. Luky Adrianto, Professor of FPIK IPB University and Sustainability Advisor Indonesia, emphasized that sustainability should be the core DNA of fishing companies. “If Aruna defines itself as a fishing company, then sustainability is its heart,” said Prof. Luky.

Rahajeng Pratiwi, Program Lead for the Sustainable Finance Program, IFC, added that sustainability was not only about “eating fish today” but also ensuring that our grandchildren could still enjoy fish with the same quality in the future.

On this occasion, Aruna launched “SEA Pledge 2030”, a commitment to achieving healthy and sustainable performance by 2030. SEA Pledge is integrated into the business process through “SEA for All Commitment 2030”, which includes:

• Sustainably sourced seafood: Ensuring sustainable seafood sources
• Empowering stakeholders: Empowering stakeholders
• Advocating for sustainability: Encouraging advocacy for sustainability

Lauren Blasco, Head of ESG, AC Ventures, appreciated the clear vision and timeline in the SEA Pledge 2030. “What is important now is how to provide real and easy-to-understand data for stakeholders,” said Lauren.

Aruna also announced a collaboration with USAID in the Ber-IKAN (Bersama Kelola Perikanan) program to help realize a healthy marine ecosystem, advance small-scale fisheries, and promote sustainable seafood.

Utari Octavianty, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Aruna, emphasized that holding IOSF and Aruna’s involvement in various sustainability forums was a manifestation of the company’s commitment to maintaining good relations with stakeholders and together creating credibility and support for sustainability.

Aruna at IFBEC Bali, Driving up Unity in Indonesia’s F&B Industry

Aruna supported the activities of the Indonesian Food and Beverage Executive Association (IFBEC) Bali which was held on January 25 – 26, 2024. IFBEC is basically a professional organization engaged in food and beverages and affiliated with the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali, the National Professional Tourism Board (NTPB), as well as The International Food and Beverage Association (IFBA). This event aimed to advance tourism and Indonesia’s creative economy, while advancing the Indonesian fisheries industry through the best quality seafood from Aruna. 

IFBEC Bali raised the theme of “Enhancing Communication and Unity Through Food and Beverage Excellence” and was also attended by many participants from within and outside the country. This activity allowed Aruna to network with multi stakeholders to discuss and unite opinions to advance the Indonesian fisheries industry sector. In addition to building collaboration and synergy, in this event, Aruna also voiced #RevolusiProtein, a campaign to encourage more people to eat fish for protein improvement. 

Aruna certainly wanted to contribute to advancing the food and beverage industry in Indonesia by displaying Indonesia’s superior maritime products, such as tuna, crab, and lobster. Meanwhile, the theme raised by IFBEC Bali this year reflected the awareness of the need for strong collaboration and good coordination between stakeholders in the sector. I Nyoman Gede Suasta, IFBEC Bali Advisor, said, “Unity is a cornerstone in the food and beverage industry, since this industry is basically an industry with a very diverse range of variants—from the results of the plantation, agriculture, fisheries, to other sectors. It is all there to produce food and beverage products.”

Utari Octavianty, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Aruna, added, “With such a rich range of variants, the food and beverage industry actually requires a complete downstream process. To be able to do it, of course, collaboration, networking is the main key. Aruna’s participation in IFBEC Bali is nothing but to enrich our connections, as well as introduce fishery products from our own country, Indonesia, whose maritime wealth is undoubtedly abundant.”

Cut in Fisheries Subsidies? Aruna Voiced Concerns of Small-Scale Fishers to WTO

On January 23, 2024, Aruna was invited by the World Trade Organization Negotiating Directorate of the Indonesian Ministry of Trade (MoT), to attend a workshop brought about the theme of “Fisheries Subsidy and Trade”. The workshop was an output of the collaboration built between the Ministry of Trade and ARISE Plus Indonesia to discuss issues in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The issues themselves included the rule-making scheme on subsidy restrictions aimed at reducing presumptions of overcapacity and overfishing. Aruna was represented by its Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer, Utari Octavianty. 

The subsidy limitation plan, which was also the main topic in this workshop, turned into a medium for Aruna to contribute to strengthening the power and voice of the small-scale fishers. Utari said, “The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies serves a purpose to regulate, and where possible, limit subsidies provided to the fishing industries given by the WTO member countries, including Indonesia. This limitation will certainly affect the amount of subsidies that can be provided by the Indonesian government to the domestic fishing doers, especially the small-scale ones. In the end, it’s the national competitiveness that will be hit hard, especially if other countries can still provide greater subsidies. Declining revenues and competitive losses for Indonesia’s fishing industry—that’s what Aruna thinks.”

As the DNA of Aruna’s business, Aruna saw that small-scale fishers in Indonesia were more likely to face challenges in competing with fishers from other countries, who might still receive massive subsidies from their governments. Utari said, “Even medium to large fishing industries cannot avoid the pressure caused by limited subsidies, let alone small-scale fishers. This will further suppress the opportunity and competitiveness of small fishers in the domestic and international markets.” The most recent issue of antidumping proved that the size of subsidies affected product competitiveness. “It can be challenging to export because our prices are potentially to harm off local market prices in the destination countries. We become a threat,” she continued. 

Pablo Quiles, a manager of a global management consulting firm called International Economics Consulting Ltd., also serving as a Senior Non-Key Expert at the WTO, emphasized that this discussion was not simply about fisheries subsidies. He said, “It should be highlighted that in the first place, the discussion on this agreement is aimed at protecting fish resources that are vulnerable to destructive fisheries practices. The subsidy limitation is just another supporting aspect that we are considering carefully. What every single one of you conveys here will certainly be taken into account, much more comprehensively. All the best for the world’s fish population!”

Aruna at IDF 2023: A Discussion of Business for Blue Economy

Batam, Indonesia – Aruna’s persisted  contribution to the growth of the blue economy sector has always been done through partnerships or autonomous community development programs. At the end of 2023, Aruna just attended the Indonesia Development Forum (IDF) 2023, a forum held by the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas for actors in various sectors to exchange ideas about development in Indonesia.

Conducted on Monday, December 18, 2023, the Indonesia Development Forum (IDF) 2023 at Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam was started with the launching of Indonesia Blue Economy Roadmap Edition 2 by the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Minister of Industry, and Governor of Riau Islands, followed by Marketplace Session from various stakeholders, then finished with special sessions about topics across disciplines.

Utari Octavianty, the Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Aruna, had the opportunity to share about The Efforts to Empower Small Fishers and Coastal Communities through the Implementation of Innovation and Technology in a Special Session: Promoting Inclusion in Indonesia Blue Economy. She said, “One of the technologies that Aruna applies is a tracking device on fishing boats. This tracking device can support traceability, ensure food sources in the fisheries supply chain, and help  the fishers comply with government regulations in order to prevent overfishing.”

Utari continued, “Aruna also empowers fishers and coastal communities through the GAHAR and SARASEHAN programs, providing education on sustainable fishing so that marine ecosystems are maintained for a long time, not to mention improving the communities’ welfare and prosperity as well.”

Quoting from Antaranews, the Deputy for Economic Affairs of the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (PPN/Bappenas), Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, stated that the blue economy was not only about fisheries at all. 

“The blue economy isn’t merely all about fisheries. However, if we look at what has been conveyed by UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), high value-added sectors are marine-based high-tech manufacturing, shipping industry, port equipment industries, and various potential for the development of marine-based biotechnology,” he said at the Road to Indonesia Development Forum (IDF) 2023, on Biak Island, Papua, Saturday, November 25, 2023.

Aruna expected that the Indonesia Development Forum (IDF) 2023 could create synergy and encourage collaboration between actors in all sectors to jointly develop and actualize the blue economy in Indonesia, especially for the food security sector, one of which is the marine and fisheries industry.

Tech Competition in China: Representing Indonesia, Aruna the First Runner Up in the Final Round

Guangzhou, China – Following Aruna’s victory at the “SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest 2023” which was announced back on October 16, 2023 in Beijing, Aruna was again invited to Guangzhou by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China to go on the final stage on November 29 to December 1, 2023. On the agenda, which also aimed to promote innovation, entrepreneurial environment, and incentive regulations related to sustainable investment, Aruna became the 1st runner up champion globally. Aruna was the only company representing Indonesia in the contest.

Previously, Aruna and the other participants who passed the final round were asked to work on a project as a simulation of their business idea development and validation. In particular, Aruna raised the discussion about the “Digital Supply Chain Challenge”. Li Yan, Deputy Director General of China’s Center for the Promotion of SME Development, said, “The basic value, objectives, and project execution are some of the most rated points in this competition. Their idea should be one step or even five steps further than what they have started at this time. Then, we see: is it right at the pain points experienced by their market? Because that is what usually affects the lives of their business. We’ve seen this in those companies.”

Dr. Peter Finn, the CEO and Co-Founder of one of the Singaporean participants who also joined the contest, said, “Aruna and the company I represent actually have the same intersection. Leveraging AI technology, we focus on innovating blockchain technology and distributed computing, which we combine with carbon credit reductions. The goal is to create a circular economy and renewable energy transition. The base is ESG, although the approach and business ecosystem are somewhat different. Aruna is more about empowering fishers and acting as a supply chain aggregator. With this agenda, we both hope that we can increasingly run towards a better future. Wish each other luck.”

On the same agenda, Aruna and the other contestants were asked to be mentors for several startup companies from China that had been selected to take part in this contest. With the case of a similar simulation project, they then became a team fostered by the four contestants of the “SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest 2023”, including by Aruna. “We’re also talking about sharing here, so it’s not just about competition. This is the balance point. Winning as the first runner up, we were also having the opportunity to share knowledge and experience for a number of selected startups in China. Hopefully by representing Indonesia in this event, Aruna can participate in actualizing a better and promising future, especially for Indonesian coastal communities who have joined our ecosystem,” concluded Utari Octavianty, the Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Aruna. 

Indonesian Fisheries Company Wins Sustainable Seafood Product 2023 Award

Aruna, a seafood company that provides fresh and quality seafood, recently won a prestigious award from WWF-Indonesia & Seafood Savers in the category of “Sustainable Seafood Products 2023”. The award was presented by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) in Jakarta (November 19).
The award ceremony coincided with National Fisheries Day 2023, which was themed “Fish for the Golden Generation”. Budi Sulistyo, Director General of Competitiveness of Marine and Fisheries Products, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, expressed appreciation to Aruna for its commitment to improving fisheries in Indonesia.

Aruna believes that this award is a form of recognition and appreciation that further reinforces its contribution to the Indonesian fisheries industry. Aruna applies the ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) principle in its business practices to achieve a balance between planet, profit, and people.

By adopting the “from sea to table” concept, Aruna is able to guarantee the freshness and best quality of its fishermen’s products. This attracts the interest of buyers from the international market. In addition, Aruna also educates the Indonesian people to eat fish through the #RevolusiProtein campaign.

Utari Octavianty, Chief Sustainability Officer of Aruna, expressed her gratitude to KKP, WWF, and Seafood Saver for the award. Utari also reaffirmed Aruna’s commitment to continue serving seafood with the guarantee of the best quality.

“Our focus is how fishermen can be prosperous and we are committed to providing sustainable and quality seafood options. This commitment has made local fishermen’s products already gain a global/international market share. We will also continue to work alongside the government to develop this industry,” Utari said.

Aruna and Sustainability

Aruna is committed to running its business in a sustainable manner, both in terms of the environment, society, and governance. This commitment is realized through the implementation of ESG principles in its business practices.

From an environmental perspective, Aruna is committed to preserving marine resources. To this end, Aruna works with local fishermen to implement sustainable fishing practices. Aruna also supports marine conservation efforts, such as coral reef planting.

From a social perspective, Aruna is committed to improving the welfare of fishermen. To this end, Aruna provides fair prices to fishermen and helps them develop their businesses. Aruna also provides training to fishermen on sustainable fishing practices.

Aruna and the Future of Indonesian Fisheries

Aruna is one of the fishing companies that plays an important role in realizing sustainable fisheries in Indonesia. Aruna’s commitment to sustainability has had a positive impact on the environment, fishermen, and the Indonesian people.

Aruna has successfully improved the welfare of local fishermen. In addition, Aruna has also successfully raised awareness among Indonesians about the importance of consuming sustainable seafood.

Aruna is a good example for other fishing companies. By applying ESG principles, fishing companies can run their businesses in a sustainable manner and have a positive impact on society.

Aruna’s Collaboration and Innovation for Expanding the International Fisheries Market

Indonesia possesses the potential to become one of the world’s largest exporters of fishery products, supported by its vast marine territories, rich biodiversity, and abundant resources.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) has set a target of USD 7.66 billion or approximately IDR 116.1 trillion in fishery exports for Indonesia in 2023. Achieving this goal requires innovation and collaboration from various stakeholders, including the government and fishery companies.

As an integrated fishery company focusing on connecting local fishermen to broader markets, Aruna has implemented sustained innovation and collaboration, proving beneficial for the fisheries sector. What steps has Aruna taken to advance the fisheries sector in Indonesia?

Aruna’s Innovations in the Fisheries Sector

We employ internal applications to track the movement of fishery products from fishermen to consumers, aiming to streamline the fishery supply chain and ensure product traceability. This technology enables consumers to know the origin of products, ensuring their safety and sustainability.

Additionally, we utilize various sales platforms to expand our fishery product market both domestically and internationally. This effort aims to build a strong bridge between fishermen, suppliers, and consumers, enhancing the global recognition of our flagship products.

On the other hand, we have community development programs for fishermen and coastal communities. These programs aim to increase the productivity and income of fishermen, improve the quality of fishery products, and enhance the sustainability of the fisheries sector.

Recognizing these innovations, Aruna has been honored with an award at the “SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest 2023” hosted by the Global Innovation and Technology Platform (GITP) in Beijing, China. Li Yan, Deputy Director General of China Centre for Promotion of SME Development, commended Aruna for successfully combining technology application, community development, and marine sustainability concepts. This success opens up collaboration opportunities to expand the international market, especially in China.

Collaboration Opportunities and International Expansion

The significant value of Indonesia’s fishery exports to China indicates a strong global demand for Indonesian fishery products. China is Indonesia’s second-largest fishery export destination after the United States. In 2022, Indonesia’s fishery exports to China reached USD 1.12 billion or approximately IDR 17 trillion, a 26.3% increase compared to the previous year.

Indraka Fadhlillah, Chief Operating Officer of Aruna, hopes for collaborations with China and other nations to drive progress and tap into Indonesia’s fishery potential. The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing also lends support to Aruna in developing Indonesia’s capture fisheries. Budi Hansyah, Trade Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing, expresses readiness to support Aruna’s initiatives in harnessing Indonesia’s marine ecosystem potential.

Inspiring the Fisheries Industry

We aspire for ongoing innovations and collaborations to inspire every element in the fisheries industry to work together in facing various challenges. This cooperation will help strengthen Indonesia’s fisheries sector in the long run, enabling the country to achieve its fishery export targets in the international market.

However, it’s crucial for innovation and collaboration to prioritize sustainability. Through our Local Heroes spread across Indonesia’s coasts, we consistently support and educate Aruna’s fishermen. We are committed to using environmentally friendly fishing gear, complying with the Measured Fishing Gear (PIT) policy, and avoiding overfishing. This way, the marine ecosystem can continue to thrive, and its benefits can be enjoyed by all.

Participating in TEI 2023, Aruna Targeted Market Expansion and Enlarged Demand’s Variants

Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian Ministry of Trade (Kementerian Perdagangan RI/Kemendag) held the 2023 Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) brought about the theme of “Sustainable Trade for Global Economic Resilience” which was held from 18 to 22 October 2023 at ICE BSD, Tangerang, Banten. Aruna  as an integrated fisheries, commerce, and supply chain aggregator from Indonesia, participated in the event.

Quoting from the Ministry of Trade, TEI was targeted to actualize a transaction value of USD 11 billion or around IDR 171.73 trillion, which was lower compared to the 2022’s target. This target was set by considering the world economic conditions entering the post-COVID recovery phase. Thus, the government encouraged the industry players, especially those doing exports, to participate in this event.

Aruna saw that TEI was a gate for the company to promote its fishery products caught by the local Indonesian fishers in the national and international scenes. This year’s TEI theme was also in line with Aruna’s business principles prioritizing sustainability in its business. “Aruna implements sustainable business, we also have the tools to trace the origin of our products. We prioritize product traceability. Currently, we are also focusing on exploring the MSC certificate, which is a prestigious certificate in the industry,” said Utari Octavianty, the Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Aruna.

Aruna found that the visitors and potential buyers were interested in local Indonesian fishery products, such as crab, tuna, cob, skipjack, and lobster. According to Utari, “TEI is an event where business people are brought in together, so communication is built and information related to their needs can be exchanged. This surely can be a good start to explore business.”

Aruna said that the TEI 2023 was expected to open new markets for more diverse variants of fishery commodities from Indonesia. Furthermore, Aruna also targeted South East Asia and European markets and it was Aruna’s hope to  attract new potential buyers from all over the world. That way, the products of Indonesian fishes could be increasingly known and globalized.