Abstract

This study addresses the critical question of how to sustainably enhance whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production in Indonesia using intensive and super-intensive aquaculture technologies to meet the government’s target of a 250% increase in shrimp exports and production by 2024, while minimizing environmental impacts. Conducted in South Sulawesi Province from March to July 2021, the research is pivotal in identifying strategies to boost productivity in a key shrimp production region, ensuring environmental sustainability. Data were gathered through questionnaires distributed to shrimp pond managers and stakeholders, structured observations, and focus group discussions, with validity and reliability tested using the Corrected Item-Total Correlation and Cronbach’s alpha methods. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to analyze data and prioritize strategies. The study found that among 18 intensive/super-intensive shrimp farming operations in Bulukumba, Je’neponto, and Takalar Regencies, only one utilized super-intensive technology. Major challenges include disease outbreaks, notably acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) and white feces disease, alongside inconsistent seed quality. The article systematically discusses these issues, emphasizing environmental factors as the most critical for sustainable development. Key findings highlight that environmental protection is the top-priority strategy, followed by aquaculture area management, modern technological innovation, environmentally friendly practices, access to business and capital, human resource improvement, and pond facility availability. These strategies aim to balance high productivity with environmental sustainability, offering actionable insights for policymakers and farmers to achieve Indonesia’s ambitious shrimp production goals.