Mention the name Bali, and most people will think of a world-famous tourist destination. Very rarely do people know that Bali is also home to the world’s largest milkfish seed producer. This producer is located in North Bali, in the coastal area of Gerokgak District, Buleleng Regency.
The role of the milkfish hatchery business is very strategic for the economic sustainability of the Gerokgak sub-district area. Thousands of people depend on this business for their livelihood. This was evidenced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Businesses across Bali experienced a decline in profits and had to lay off many of their employees, sometimes permanently. The milkfish hatchery business, on the other hand, was able to run stably during this time. In fact, the price of milkfish seeds reached the highest point in 20 years during the pandemic.
Bali’s milkfish hatchery business is categorized as a people’s economy-based business, in line with a program that is currently being intensified by the government of Indonesia to scale up these kinds of businesses. The hatchery’s business model requires a moderate amount of capital and the turnover time from seed to sale is relatively short, around 18-20 days until the fish are ready to be sold. This business model offers high rates of employment and does not require its employees to have specific educational qualifications.