Contribution of aquaculture to future food security: Economic analysis and development in Indonesia

Aquaculture has developed into one of the key sectors in global fisheries, contributing greatly to food security around the world. Amidst a growing population and an increasing need for protein sources, aquaculture offers a real and sustainable solution. This study aims to analyze the contribution of aquaculture to food security in Indonesia, especially in the face of future challenges such as population growth, climate change, and limited natural resources. This research used a qualitative approach to explore and understand the contribution of aquaculture to food security in Indonesia, with a focus on economic analysis and development. A qualitative approach was chosen as it can provide deep insights into the experiences, views, and practices associated with aquaculture, as well as its impact on food security. In this complex context, a qualitative approach allows researchers to explore the meaning behind the data obtained, explain the relationships between variables, and understand the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence aquaculture development. The results show that aquaculture has significant potential in increasing the sustainable supply of animal protein and supporting food security, particularly through increased productivity, species diversification, and technology integration. However, challenges such as access to technology, capital, and environmental sustainability still need to be addressed. The managerial implications of these findings call for stronger policy support in terms of technology investment and training for aquaculture farmers, as well as the integration of sustainable aquaculture practices in national development plans to optimize the sector's role in supporting food security in the long term. In terms of managerial implications, these results indicate the importance of policy interventions that support investment in environmentally friendly technologies, human resource capacity building, and strengthening more efficient distribution networks. This research suggests that the government and private sector collaborate in creating an appropriate regulatory framework to support the development of sustainable aquaculture to meet future food security challenges.