Government Continues To Popularize Fish-Eating Culture

JAKARTA, Aug 11 (Antara) - The government of Indonesia continues to popularize fish-eating culture to prevent malnutrition and stunted growth in children, according to Presidential Chief of Staff Teten Masduki. He said many people have wrong assumption that eating meat is more classy than eating fish, and this was exacerbated by still many wrong myths in society, such as pregnant women were not allowed to eat fish for cultural reasons. In fact, eating fish during pregnancy is highly recommended. The Indonesian people already have the slogan: Eat Fish for Building Intelligence, Health, and Strength, for the growth of brain cells is supported by protein, which comes from different sources such as fish as fish contains Omega3 for brain growth. The country is rich in fish resources. About 70 percent of Indonesia's 5.2 million-square-kilometer area is covered by water and has abundant fish stocks. Yet it has not yet fully sustainably exploited its sea wealth and its fish consumption is still low. With the increase in the country's fish potential, the people, have been called on to increase their fish consumption. Moreover, the levels of fish consumption of the people are not the same. The groups which have high fish consumption levels reside in the coastal areas. People who have settled in rural areas far from littoral regions usually have low fish consumption. Based on the KKP data, the national per capita fish consumption of the Indonesian people is still about 35 kg, but there are provinces where per capita consumption is more. People in some regions have a consumption level of 38 kg per annum. Eating more fish could create a healthier body because fish meat contains proteins which are badly needed, for example, by expectant mothers and children. "Eating fish is cheap and healthful. Therefore, the government will continue to popularize it as part of the culture of our society," Masduki said.