Channa.id – Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves) has expressed its appreciation to the Serdang Bedagai Regency Government (Sergai) and industry partner PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals for their initiatives in developing and cultivating snakehead fish (Channa striata). This local product has not only boosted the reputation of Sergai at the national level but has also begun to gain international recognition.
Recognition for Sergai as a Pilot Project in Snakehead Fish Development in Indonesia
Assistant Deputy for Downstreaming of Marine Resources, Ir. Amalyos, M.M., emphasized during the Coordination Meeting on the Utilization of Snakehead Fish Development in Indonesia for Stunting and Covid-19 Prevention (26 October 2021), that Sergai is considered a pilot project, champion, and showcase in snakehead fish cultivation.
“This is truly an outstanding achievement. Snakehead fish, which was never regarded as a superior commodity, has now contributed to the local economy and raised Sergai’s profile nationally and internationally,” he remarked.
Amalyos further highlighted that the ecosystem developed in Sergai includes both upstream and downstream sectors. “What makes this even more interesting is that not only is the upstream prepared, but also the downstream. With cooperatives and key players already in place, this has become an extraordinary industrial ecosystem,” he added.
MIGI: Sergai Should Become a Learning Business Center
Chairman of the Indonesian Snakehead Fish Community (MIGI), Yunan Rhedian, stated that Sergai has the potential to become a learning business center for snakehead fish cultivation.
According to him, the government should fully support the efforts of the Sergai Regency Government in strengthening this sector.
“There should be a dedicated area that continually acts as an engine to produce snakehead fish, just like Sergai,” Yunan explained.
He added that Sergai already has adequate infrastructure with PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals serving as both an industry partner and an off-taker for community-based snakehead fish production.
PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals: Commitment to Innovation in Snakehead-Based Products
Director of PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals (MMP), Sutristo, highlighted the company’s commitment to continuously supporting snakehead fish cultivation, ensuring added value for the commodity.
MMP has developed various supplements made from snakehead fish, in both capsule and syrup formulations, which have already been approved by Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM). These products are beneficial for the prevention of stunting and Covid-19, developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU).
Sutristo also underlined the need for superior snakehead fish genetics that are easy to cultivate.
“We can adapt snakehead fish genetics to specific needs. For consumption, fast-growing varieties are required. For pharmaceutical use, varieties with high albumin content are necessary. Currently, Indonesia’s demand for injectable albumin is still 100% met through imports,” he explained.
Targeting Self-Sufficiency in Albumin Production
PT MMP aims to achieve independence in producing albumin-based medicines in Indonesia. Alongside oral supplements such as capsules and syrups, the company has also developed snakehead fish extracts combined with Phyllanthus niruri (chanca piedra) and Curcuma xanthorrhiza (temulawak) to enhance immunity and address stunting.
“To meet Indonesia’s high demand for albumin, which is still fully imported, we are committed to pursuing continuous research innovations with universities and researchers. Our goal is to eventually produce injectable albumin derived from snakehead fish domestically,” Sutristo concluded.