Facing a severe shortage of dairy cows, Indonesia has innovatively turned to its coastal waters to create a nutritious alternative for schoolchildren, introducing a drink made from powdered fish known as "milk of the sea."
Through a unique process, ponyfish caught by local fishermen are being transformed into a new protein-rich drink option for children, aiming to mitigate the impact of the national cow shortage, the New York Post reported.
Indonesia faces significant challenges in its national school lunch programs due to dwindling cow populations, which traditionally supply cow's milk as a key source of nutrition for young students. This scarcity has prompted officials and industry leaders to explore alternative solutions to ensure the dietary well-being of the nation's youth.
In the coastal town of Indramayu, local fishermen have started repurposing ponyfish, a common but previously underutilized species in the area. They catch these fish and bring them ashore for a process that transforms them into an unexpected nutritional source.
Twice daily, fishermen process freshly caught ponyfish into a fine, white protein powder. The Berikan Protein Initiative spearheads this innovation, aiming to provide a substantial alternative to traditional milk.
Workers transport the powder to another facility, where they mix it with flavors like chocolate and strawberry to appeal to children. This step replicates the taste and appearance of conventional milk products, making it more acceptable to young palates.
After flavoring, they package and distribute the product as a milk-like beverage. The initiative positions it not only as a source of nutrition but also as a potential driver of regional economic growth.
Promoters of the initiative highlight its potential to spark economic growth, projecting it could create a $4.5 billion industry and provide jobs for 200,000 people. This ambitious plan aligns with Indonesia's broader strategy to harness its abundant maritime resources for food production.
Despite the innovative approach, consumers and health experts have offered mixed reactions. Mafatihul Khoiri, manager of the Berikan Protein Initiative, says, "It just tastes like normal milk, at least to me." Meanwhile, local resident Rosaedah praises the flavor, calling the finished product "delicious!"
However, not everyone is convinced of the benefits or feasibility of fish-derived milk. Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has expressed significant skepticism and suggested alternative solutions, such as boosting domestic cattle production or increasing imports.
Critics have also raised concerns about the ultra-processed nature of the product, arguing that people may view it as a gimmicky solution rather than a sustainable food source.
Around the world, fish collagen is primarily used for its benefits in skin care products in the U.S., while the EU has seen investments into research aimed at improving fish protein powders by reducing their odor. This indicates a growing global interest in fish-based protein alternatives beyond traditional seafood products.
The Jakarta Post editorial board has issued statements criticizing the government initiative, labeling it "more of a political distraction than a meaningful nutritional intervention." Their stance reflects a broader skepticism concerning the project's impact and intentions.
Echoing a somewhat supportive tone, Rasmus Ree, a researcher at an EU-funded institute, acknowledges the potential of this innovation by stating, "What Indonesia is fishing for is something that would be useful, and hopefully economically viable."
As Indonesia continues to navigate its cow milk shortage, the nation's approach to deriving milk-like products from ponyfish remains a significant point of discussion among nutritional experts, policymakers, and the public. The coming years will prove crucial in assessing the viability and acceptance of this unconventional protein source within the wider market.
