Demand for cooling technology increases

The Association of Indonesian Cold Chain Operators (Asosiasi Rantai Pendingin Indonesia or ARPI) expects demand for refrigeration technology for logistics and storage to increase by fifty percent in 2022 compared to the previous year. The most important driver of development is fishing. Indonesia is one of the world's largest exporters of fish. About sixty percent of the cooling capacity needed for fishing is needed for export, the rest is used for processing in the domestic market. 

According to ARPI, the cold chain market is currently worth US$800 million annually. By 2030, it is expected to grow to $2.2 billion. The challenges are the connection of cold chains, the standardization of modern systems and energy efficiency. 

Growing export market 

The Indonesian cold storage market is considered to be underdeveloped. The lack of logistical infrastructure makes the transport of goods expensive and inefficient. At the same time, the year-round tropical climate requires 24-hour refrigeration for perishable products. 

Important export sectors can count on political support because the government attaches great importance to a positive foreign trade balance. The former oil exporter exported more than twice the value of fish as oil in the last three years. Almost half of fish exports go to the United States. Other major buyers are China and Japan. Foreign fishing fleets are also active in Indonesia.