The maritime industry has tremendous potential for growth and development. It is a complex sector that encompasses a wide range of activities, including shipping and logistics, fishing, and aquaculture. According to UNDP, the industry also plays a critical role in the world economy, accounting for  5% of global GDP, or estimated at US$ 3 trillion per year.

On 1 March 2023, Aruna’s Co-Founder and CEO, Farid Naufal Aslam had shared his experience in building the marine-focused startup at the launch of the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge by East Ventures and Temasek Foundation. 

East Ventures had a chance to interview him on how Aruna has developed the market, the big opportunity of the blue economy, and what solutions that we can address in developing Indonesia’s marine industry.

Creating varied markets and commodities for sustainable fisheries

Aruna runs the initiative by connecting small-scale fishermen in Indonesia and overseas importers directly through its app and website. The company focuses on coverage numbers to ensure a consistent supply side to customers, both in the local and the global market, improve fishermen’s productivity and provide sustainable ways. 

Aruna has covered more than 190 locations and almost 50,000 fishermen in the form of hubs where the fishermen make their transactions in fishing or fishpond villages. Product diversification is one of Aruna’s ways to add more commodities to the market, distribute and launch value-added products, and control market share in several commodities. 

The goal is to make Indonesia the global maritime axis by reinventing the fishery supply chain, increasing financial inclusion, and applying sustainable fisheries.

Read the full insights at East Ventures.