Explorative study of aquaponics systems in Indonesia

Aquaponics is the combined cultivation of fish in aquaculture systems and plants in hydroponic systems. This study aimed to explore and evaluate new aquaponics system designs in Jakarta, Indonesia, in terms of water and nutrient efficiency, and/or profitability. In total, one brackish water system with barramundi and tomato (BW) and three freshwater systems with Nile tilapia, rice, and duckweed (FW + DW), Nile tilapia and rice (FW − DW), and Nile tilapia and tomato (FW-tomato) were investigated using dynamic mathematical models. The results showed an increase of N, P, and water use efficiency by 10%, 18%, and 31%, respectively, in FW-tomato compare to FW − DW. Meanwhile, FW + DW only slightly increased the efficiency but worsened the already negative net present value (NPV) of FW − DW due to the high land prices. The BW system had similar water and nutrient efficiency to FW-tomato, but lower NPV. Profit of the BW and FW-tomato becomes comparable if the hydroponic area in the BW system can be expanded by 35%, or the selling price of tomato or fish in the BW can be increased by 20%. Given the expected growth of both the production of tomatoes and aquaculture in Indonesia, there is potential for further introduction of aquaponics systems in Indonesia.