The farm tour was guided by Dr. Wendy Prabowo, an Indonesian aquaculture expert, and presented by the Hashtag Fish channel, which focuses on the science behind shrimp and fish farming.
PELAKITA.ID – Indonesia continues to position itself at the forefront of global shrimp production, driven by innovation and sustainability.
One striking example of this progress is a super-intensive, above-ground modern shrimp farm featured in the video “SUPER-INTENSIVE MODERN SHRIMP FARM – FULL TOUR #20 | #FISH”. Described as one of the most advanced shrimp farms ever observed, the facility showcases how science, technology, and environmental responsibility can be combined in contemporary aquaculture.
The farm tour was guided by Dr. Wendy Prabowo, an Indonesian aquaculture expert, and presented by the Hashtag Fish channel, which focuses on the science behind shrimp and fish farming.
What emerges is a compelling model for high productivity with strong ecological safeguards.
Precision Feeding and Probiotic Management
At the heart of the farm’s success is a highly controlled feeding system. Shrimp are fed every hour, 24 hours a day, using feed that has been carefully mixed with liquid probiotics.
These probiotics—primarily Bacillus and Lactobacillus strains—are blended with molasses and applied at a dosage of around 100 milliliters per kilogram of feed.
The feed is mixed using a cement mixer to ensure uniform distribution, then kept under aerobic conditions for 24 hours. The result is feed that is moist but not watery, preventing fungal growth and improving digestibility.
Feeding rates are adjusted dynamically: when shrimp show strong feeding responses, rations are increased; when appetite slows, feed input is reduced. This responsiveness minimizes waste and optimizes growth.
Automation and High Stocking Density
- The farm uses both manual and automatic feeding systems. Manual feeding is conducted four times a day, while automatic feeders can operate for up to 12 hours or more daily. Feeding trays are checked at every feeding to monitor consumption and shrimp behavior.
- Stocking density reaches 200 shrimp per square meter, reflecting a truly super-intensive system. Despite this density, growth performance is impressive: shrimp can reach around 10 grams in just 60 days.
- Partial harvests are typically conducted around day 70, with final harvests occurring at 90 days, targeting a size of approximately 20 shrimp per kilogram, depending on survival rates.
Circular Tanks and Exceptional Survival Rates
The production system relies on above-ground circular tanks, a key departure from traditional excavated ponds. The facility currently operates 40 circular tanks, some equipped with two paddle wheels for enhanced water circulation and oxygenation.
Daily water exchange is kept low, at about 5 percent per day, contributing to water efficiency.
One of the most remarkable outcomes of this design is a survival rate of up to 90 percent, a figure that far exceeds many conventional pond systems.
According to the farm operators, these tanks are also significantly easier to harvest and clean. After harvest, tanks can be prepared and restocked within two to three days, dramatically improving production efficiency.
Integrated Water and Wastewater Management
- Water management is a central pillar of the farm’s sustainability strategy. Intake water is stored in reservoirs and distributed to the tanks using submersible pumps. All effluent water is collected through a central drainage system and directed to a multi-stage wastewater treatment plant.
- Solid waste (sludge) is separated and settled in tanks approximately 1.5 meters deep. Once dried, the sludge resembles soil or clay, with no foul odor, thanks to treatment with lime and probiotics such as Rhodobacter. This processed sludge can potentially be reused, reducing waste disposal impacts.
- The treated water is already relatively clean upon discharge, but future plans include the use of ozone treatment to further purify the water, aiming to return it to near seawater quality before release.
Toward a Carbon-Conscious Shrimp Industry
A key innovation of this farm lies in its above-ground construction. Unlike traditional ponds that require large-scale excavation, this approach helps keep carbon stored in the soil and allows wastewater to flow by gravity into treatment systems.
According to Dr. Wendy Prabowo, this design supports a more ecologically sound and potentially carbon-neutral shrimp farming model.
This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s broader policy direction during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when the government emphasized accelerating economic recovery while safeguarding environmental sustainability.
Shrimp farming was identified as a strategic sector—but with a critical question: how to increase production without sacrificing ecology. This farm represents one possible answer.
A Model for the Next Generation of Shrimp Farming
While the system is still evolving, the progress is evident. High survival rates, rapid growth, efficient water use, and effective waste treatment demonstrate that super-intensive shrimp farming can be both productive and environmentally responsible.
As Indonesia continues to expand its role in global shrimp markets, models like this offer valuable lessons—not only for farmers, but also for policymakers, investors, and sustainability advocates seeking a balance between economic growth and ecological integrity.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfeLFueUuto