The "Gotong Royong" Spirit
One of the most unique aspects of the Indonesian shrimp industry is its lack of cutthroat competition. Brandon points to a cultural pillar called Gotong Royong which is a traditional form of mutual cooperation.
"We aren't competitors," Brandon explains. "We help each other. We want to provide the world with the best possible shrimp quality as a community." This collective knowledge sharing allows farmers across the archipelago to improve their standards year over year, ensuring that when you buy Indonesian shrimp at Target or Stater Bros, you are buying the best of an entire region's expertise.
Sustainability as Land Reclamation
Addressing environmental concerns, Brandon offers a perspective often missed in global conversations: shrimp farming as a tool for restoration. His current facility sits on land that was previously an illegal tin mine and a palm plantation. By reclaiming this land for aquaculture, his team has turned a degraded site into a productive, managed ecosystem.
To protect the nearby ocean, Brandon’s facility employs a massive wastewater management installation. "We make sure our discharge water is as close as possible to the water we’re pulling in from the sea," he says. By choosing farm raised shrimp over large scale ocean trawling, Brandon argues we can enjoy high quality seafood without the "bycatch" or habitat destruction associated with the open sea.
Lessons from the "AHPND" Shock
Even the most advanced farms face hurdles. Brandon recalls the "worst experience" of his career when AHPND (Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease) first struck. After several successful cycles, the sudden loss was a shock. However, it served as a masterclass in resilience. The team learned to adapt, refine their protocols, and prioritize the "feeling" of the pond.
The "Asset Focused" Philosophy
As a director of a listed company, Brandon feels a dual responsibility to his shareholders and his customers. His secret to success? Presence.
"You have to dedicate your life to your assets," Brandon says. "You have to be there with the ponds. You need to 'feel' your shrimp and your human resources."
He warns against profit driven by greed. Instead, he advocates for profit driven by a "natural" approach using minimal additives and ensuring every employee knows not just what they are doing, but why they are doing it. When 80% of a company’s assets are living organisms in a pond, hyper-focus isn't just a strategy it’s a necessity.
Go Behind the Scenes at the Ponds
How does a former consulting candidate manage a massive wastewater system in the middle of a forest? Watch the conclusion of our interview with Brandon to find out.
