PT Delta Guna Sukses (PT DGS) is an Indonesian shrimp farming company that has been certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council or ASC, which implements responsible aquaculture practices in its business. PT DGS is one example of a local business that is able to transform and respond to global demands for environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

From Windu to Vannamei: The History of PT DGS Shrimp Farming

PT DGS was established in 1988, and started its aquaculture activities the following year. At the beginning of its operation, PT DGS developed semi-intensive tiger shrimp farming, which is a farming method where the number of shrimp stocked is not too dense, and the use of feed is still limited. However, in the early 2000s, tiger shrimp diseases became widespread, which caused the harvest to not be maximised.

Seeing this condition, PT DGS switched to cultivating vannamei shrimp, which is considered more resistant to disease and also has a broad market. Along with the development of the company, PT DGS then developed the cultivation of vannamei shrimp commodities using an intensive system, which is a cultivation method with a denser number of shrimp stocked, with the support of feed management and more controlled water quality and the application of more advanced cultivation technology. Now, PT DGS is the main shrimp supplier for export purposes for PT Mega Marine Pride, a fishery product processing and export company from Pasuruan, East Java.

Answering Market and Environmental Demands: Why ASC Certification?

Originally, PT DGS only had a Disease Avoidance Protocol (DAP) certification that focused on preventing disease outbreaks in aquaculture. However, along with the development of export markets, especially in America and Europe, PT DGS decided to have other certifications, and finally tried ASC certification. ASC certification is a global standard designed to enable responsible aquaculture practices.

In addition to market considerations, PT DGS also sees that the ASC principles are very much in line with the company's vision and mission, which is to develop shrimp farming that pays attention to the balance between environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and business continuity, which is very good to implement.

"In addition to export needs, we see a lot of positive sides in this certification. Therefore, we decided to have ASC certification," said Wahyu Prasetya, Assistant Production Manager of PT DGS.

Early Challenges and the Role of Mentoring

Obtaining ASC certification is not an easy process, especially for a company like PT DGS that started as an individual business. Based on PT DGS's experience, the biggest challenges experienced included the completeness of documentation, such as permits, legality, and environmental records. However, these challenges were overcome with assistance from the WWF-Indonesia team, which helped PT DGS understand the ASC standard and improve aspects that were not yet in line.

"The WWF-Indonesia team helped us conduct a gap assessment to assess the extent to which the company's current condition was in accordance with ASC principles. Based on the results of the gap assessment, we made various improvements until we were finally ready and brave enough to follow the ASC certification process," said Wahyu.

Managing Waste, Planting Mangroves, Protecting Nature

One of the important investments made by PT DGS is the construction of a large-scale Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). This is done so that wastewater from the ponds does not pollute the surrounding environment. On the other hand, mangrove planting activities continue to be carried out regularly as a form of concern for the environment. PT DGS realises that this aquaculture business is very dependent on nature. If it does not protect nature, then the sustainability of the business is threatened.

In terms of the environment, PT DGS has actually started making conservation efforts for a long time. Since 2008, the company has been planting mangroves as part of a sustainable cultivation system. "Mangroves are important to us, because they help stabilise the aquatic ecosystem around the ponds," Wahyu added. The ASC certification further strengthens the company's commitment to maintaining the aquatic ecosystem and improving the quality of the aquaculture environment.

Maintaining the quality of the pond environment not only ensures the continuity of production but also supports the preservation of biodiversity by creating a balanced habitat between aquaculture and nature. The biodiversity assessment at PT DGS's farm site found 31 bird species, consisting of 12 protected and 19 non-protected species. Based on the IUCN Red List, most are Least Concern, with one Vulnerable and one Near Threatened species. The Vulnerable species of Javanese Bubut (Centropus nigrorufus) is found in conservation areas and riverbanks. In addition, small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinerea) were also identified in the conservation area, with four individuals observed. This species is not protected in Indonesia but is Vulnerable globally.

Social Responsibility that Gives Real Benefits

The ASC principles also emphasise social aspects, both in the work environment and the surrounding community. Being in an area that was once classified as remote, PT DGS contributes to bringing change with real impact. Previously, the surrounding area did not have access to electricity or adequate road infrastructure. With the presence of PT DGS, access to electricity entered the area, and the surrounding community also felt the benefits. Roads began to be built, and job opportunities opened up for the local community.

Currently, the majority of PT DGS's workforce comes from the surrounding community, with a total of 25,000 employees. All employees are registered in the BPJS program and are ensured to work in accordance with the provisions of minimum wage, working age, and occupational health and safety standards. The company also routinely holds social activities such as free medical treatment every month for employees and the community in collaboration with the local health centre. The community can also submit proposals for infrastructure development such as roads, clean water, or even house renovation, and PT DGS will help according to its ability.

By having ASC certification, PT DGS is increasingly responsible for carrying out Corporate Social Responsibility programs, ensuring employee welfare, and assessing whether what the company provides is in accordance with applicable principles.

Responsible Farming for the Future

For PT DGS, ASC certification is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a long-term commitment to responsible farming practices. The company's vision for the future is to continue to strengthen the balance between production, community welfare and environmental sustainability.

"We want to continue to grow with nature and society. Good farming is farming that is not only profitable, but also prosperous and safeguarding."