Aquaculture diplomacy has emerged as one of the key strategies employed by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Antananarivo to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Madagascar. This initiative is designed not only to enhance technical cooperation between the two nations but also to promote the sustainable development of Madagascar’s aquaculture industry. Through this approach, Indonesia seeks to share its expertise and technological advancements in fisheries, including fish and shrimp farming techniques, with Madagascar, a country that possesses significant potential in the aquaculture sector.
This initiative serves as a reflection of the 50-year diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and Madagascar. Over the past five decades, both nations have demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering closer ties across various fields, including education, culture, and economic collaboration. The aquaculture diplomacy strategy not only highlights the long-standing bilateral relationship but also underscores a shared vision for deeper and more sustainable cooperation. By engaging in cross-sectoral partnerships, Indonesia and Madagascar reaffirm their commitment to building a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship.
A brief history of Indonesia-Madagascar relations
Historically, archaeological and linguistic research from Massey University in New Zealand shows that the ancestors of Madagascar's inhabitants came from the archipelago, especially from western Indonesia such as Kalimantan and Sumatra. This migration process is estimated to have occurred around the 8th or 9th century AD. They traveled across the Indian Ocean using traditional boats known as outrigger boats. Linguistic evidence supports this theory, where the Malagasy language spoken in Madagascar has similarities with languages in the archipelago, especially Malay-Polynesian.
Based on linguistic studies and basic vocabulary comparisons, it is estimated that around 5-10 percent or around 200-300 words in Malagasy are similar to Indonesian. For example, the word “tangan” in Indonesian is called “tananÉ™” in Malagasy, or the word “murah” in Indonesian is called “mora” in Malagasy. The word “batu” in Indonesian is called “vato” in Malagasy and the word “masak” in Indonesian is called “masaka” in Malagasy.
This historical connection is a strong foundation for cultural interaction between the two countries. Although separated by thousands of kilometers, traces of the archipelago are still visible in Madagascar's traditions, food and art. This shows that the cultural heritage of the archipelago not only survives in Indonesia, but also spreads to East Africa, including Madagascar. This phenomenon is clear evidence of transcontinental human connections that occurred long before the era of globalization.
Historically, diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Madagascar began in the 1960s, shortly after Madagascar gained its independence from France in the same year. However, official cooperative relations between the two countries only occurred in 1975. This relationship was further strengthened when Indonesia opened an embassy in the capital city of Antananarivo in 2009. This step shows Indonesia's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Madagascar, both in the political, economic and cultural fields. On the other hand, Madagascar has also shown interest in expanding its diplomatic relations with Indonesia, one of which is by planning to open its embassy in Jakarta as a center of diplomatic interaction in Southeast Asia.
For more than five decades, cooperation between Indonesia and Madagascar has continued to grow. Various programs and initiatives have been carried out in various fields, including education, culture, and economy. In the field of education, Indonesia actively provides scholarships to Madagascar students to continue their studies at renowned universities in Indonesia. In the cultural field, the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo often organizes cultural events to introduce Indonesian art, music, and culinary specialties to the people of Madagascar. Meanwhile, in the economic sector, the two countries have established mutually beneficial trade and investment cooperation, especially in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Tabel 1. Indonesia's Trade Balance data with countries under the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo
Data analyzed from Trade Map*
Based on Indonesia's trade balance data with countries such as Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, and Comoros, it can be seen that only the trade balance with Mauritius consistently records a trade surplus, while other countries experience deficits or sharp fluctuations with Madagascar as the largest deficit of USD 141 million in 2023 due to very abundant clove imports. Indonesia actually has quite limited trade relations with these countries compared to major trading partners such as China, the US, and ASEAN countries. However, economic cooperation is ongoing, especially in the fisheries, agriculture, and energy sectors. Indonesia can see export opportunities to these countries, particularly in manufactured products, processed foods, and consumer goods.
On the import side, Indonesia sources several key commodities from these countries. Madagascar, for example, is one of the main sources of imports of vanilla and other agricultural products such as cloves and cocoa. Mauritius is also known as a supplier of textiles and fishery products, while Seychelles has a strong fishing industry with tuna and other marine products being the main exports to Indonesia. From Comoros, one of the main commodities that Indonesia imports are spices, especially cloves and ylang-ylang used in the perfume industry. Although the trade volume is still relatively small, Indonesia still has the opportunity to expand its market and strengthen trade relations with countries in the Indian Ocean region.
Aquaculture diplomacy strategy
1. Technical collaboration
Indonesia and Madagascar have great potential in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Through the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo, Indonesia has offered various training and technology transfer programs in fish and shrimp farming. The technical cooperation offered by Indonesia includes training for fish farmers in Madagascar, introduction of modern fisheries technology, and more efficient management of water resources.
As an example, the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo plans to serve as one of the centers for the introduction and education of Indonesian aquaculture in Madagascar. In this training, Indonesian experts act as facilitators to transfer knowledge about aquaculture technologies such as biofloc systems and fish feed manufacturing technology. This provides an opportunity for Madagascar to increase the productivity and quality of their fishery products, so as to meet domestic needs, while expanding the export market. This strategy not only benefits Madagascar, but also opens up opportunities for Indonesian companies to participate in the development of the country's aquaculture industry.
Indonesian house in Antananarivo
One of the concrete strategies of this technical cooperation is the plan to develop an aquaculture-based Tourism Village in Toliara, as an effort to eradicate poverty (click here). In addition, the development of productive waqf in the field of aquaculture through the Quran Memorization Pesantren as a solution to financial independence and also the sustainability of da'wah (click here), is also one of the strategies that is very likely to be realized in the near future.
The Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo through Banglele Indonesia also has plans to build a district in Madagascar to encourage optimization and transformation in the field of aquaculture. Betafo District, has the potential to optimize aquaculture with the “Traditional Plus” method through the Capacity Building program. This program aims to increase productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability (click here).
Indeed, not only in Madagascar, the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo through Banglele Indonesia also has a strategy for aquaculture development in countries under the Embassy in Antananarivo such as Mauritius with a core-plasma model. The core-plasma partnership model in Mauritius encourages collaboration between stakeholders to build sustainable aquaculture based on small-medium enterprises, reduce import dependency, and improve local food security (click here).
In addition to the nucleus-plasma partnership model, the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo through Banglele Indonesia also has an aquaculture development strategy in Mauritius by applying the inland aquaculture method. The inland aquaculture development method in Mauritius offers innovative solutions for blue resource-based food security, strengthening a sustainable economy, creating export opportunities, and diversifying the fisheries sector (click here).
Inland aquaculture in Mauritius
2. Industry development
The Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo acts as a facilitator in connecting Indonesian companies with potential partners in Madagascar. For example, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Antananarivo announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between universities and research institutions from both countries on October 19, 2024, which aims to encourage joint research and technology development in various sectors.
Another example, when Banglele Indonesia made an official visit to Acipenser Mantasoa in Madagascar, the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo and the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Lanang Seputro, provided full support by acting as a facilitator and accompanying all Banglele Indonesia activities while in Madagascar (click here).
In addition, the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo also played an active role in assisting and supporting Banglele Indonesia in establishing cooperation with Groupe Action in Brickaville District for the development of the aquaculture sector (click here) and Banglele Indonesia's visit to the Indian Ocean Trepang (IOT) in Toliara (click here). This step is a concrete manifestation of mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation, while strengthening economic relations between the two countries.
Sturgeon caviar produced by Acipenser Mantasoa
3. Increase in exports
Aquaculture diplomacy opens up great opportunities for Indonesia to increase exports of fishery products to Madagascar. Through a strong diplomatic network, the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo actively promotes various Indonesian aquaculture products, such as superior fish seeds, quality feed, and modern equipment. These products have the potential to meet the growing needs of the Madagascar market while strengthening Indonesia's position as one of the main suppliers in the fisheries sector.
One of the main strategies in expanding the export market is by organizing the Indonesia Aquaculture Expo 2025. This event aims to introduce Indonesia's superior aquaculture products to entrepreneurs from countries under the accreditation of the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo. Through this exhibition, Indonesian businesses can establish new partnerships, increase investment, and strengthen mutually beneficial business cooperation in the aquaculture sector.
Reflections on 50 years of Indonesia-Madagascar relations
1. Appreciation from the government of Madagascar
In recognition of its contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Madagascar, the Government of Madagascar has awarded the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo. This award reflects appreciation for the various diplomatic efforts made by the Indonesian Embassy. Through structured and sustainable diplomacy, the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo has succeeded in becoming a bridge that has connected many interests of the two countries, both in the economic, social and cultural sectors.
This award is not only a proof of successful diplomacy, but also marks a new history in the relationship between the two countries. For five decades, Indonesia and Madagascar have shown a strong commitment to working together in various sectors. The recognition given by the Government of Madagascar to the Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo confirms the importance of diplomacy as the main instrument in building strong and sustainable international relations. It is also a motivation to continue strengthening cooperation in the future by focusing on innovation and sustainability that can bring benefits to the people of both countries.
2. Cooperation with the diaspora
The Indonesian Embassy in Antananarivo actively engages with Indonesian diaspora communities in its accreditation areas, including in Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and Comoros. This collaboration aims to strengthen cultural ties and promote Indonesian heritage abroad. One initiative is to invite the Indonesian community to participate in various cultural and educational activities organized by the Indonesian Embassy.
3. Improved bilateral relations
Aquaculture diplomacy is a concrete example of improving bilateral relations between Indonesia and Madagascar. Through this cooperation, the two countries not only strengthen the economic sector, but also build a stronger foundation for future collaboration. In addition, this initiative is also in line with global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly in alleviating poverty and ensuring food security through the aquaculture sector.
Toliara, a potential tourism village with its nature beauty
Challenges and future prospects
Although aquaculture diplomacy between Indonesia and Madagascar has shown positive results, there are several challenges that need to be overcome. One of the main obstacles is the difference in regulations between the two countries. Each country has its own standards and regulations regarding aquaculture practices, which can cause discrepancies in the implementation of joint programs. In addition, inadequate infrastructure such as port facilities, roads and logistics systems can hinder the distribution of aquaculture products and access to wider markets. The absence of binding rules and regulations in South-South cooperation as stated in the Open JICA Report can also be a challenge in Indonesia's national policy.
To overcome these challenges, joint efforts are needed to harmonize policies and regulations between Indonesia and Madagascar. This can be done through intensive bilateral dialogue, information exchange, and harmonization of fishery product quality standards. In addition, improving infrastructure capacity is a priority to support the growth of the aquaculture sector. Investments in the construction of supporting facilities such as training centers, quality laboratories, and efficient transportation networks will go a long way in overcoming logistical barriers and ensuring aquaculture products can reach the market with maintained quality.
In the future, the prospects for aquaculture cooperation between Indonesia and Madagascar look very promising. The success of this program can also encourage other countries in the Indian Ocean region to establish similar cooperation, which is expected to strengthen Indonesia's position as a strategic partner at the regional and global levels. For example, according to data from the Maritime Affairs Ministry, Indonesia through the Forum of Islands and Small Island Countries (AIS Forum) has introduced floating net cage (KJA) technology to countries in the Pacific Ocean and Madagascar, which aims to increase fishermen's fish catch and income for coastal communities.
In addition, the Embassy can also contribute to the development of community-based aquaculture, such as seaweed and sea cucumber farming, which can provide alternative livelihoods for coastal communities in Madagascar. Based on research from Blue Ventures, this approach requires no additional feed inputs and has minimal impact on the ecosystem, making it suitable for implementation in resource-limited areas.
