RRI.CO.ID, Banjarbaru: South Kalimantan Province Marine and Fisheries Agency has highlighted the significant number of fish farmers utilizing the Riam Kanan irrigation waters without official permits. While originally built for agriculture, the irrigation network's rapid expansion into aquaculture has outpaced the legal registration of many local farming operations.

"The utilization of irrigation water for aquaculture has grown quite rapidly, but thus far, many remain without legal status," said Rusdi, a representative from the South Kalimantan Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency, in Banjarbaru on Monday, January 19, 2026.

As part of a regulatory enforcement effort, the South Kalimantan Provincial Administration is accelerating the water resource utilization licensing process for fish farmers. This initiative specifically targets operators within the Banjar Regency and Banjarbaru City areas.

"Our hope for the future is that fish farmers utilizing irrigation water can obtain official status in accordance with prevailing regulations," he added.

This move is intended to fulfill requirements set out in Government Regulation No. 28/2025 concerning Risk-Based Business Licensing, as well as the Public Works and Housing Minister Regulation No. 02/2024 regarding Procedures for Business Licensing for the Use of Water Resources.

The South Kalimantan Provincial Administration expects this legalization process to proceed swiftly and in an orderly manner. This ensures that the utilization of irrigation water for aquaculture not only adheres to legal standards, but also supports the long-term sustainability of the region's fisheries sector. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)