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Farmer Stories
June 3, 2025

The Guardian of the Ponds: A Deep Dive with Agung

Farmer Stories
June 3, 2025
In the coastal region of Cirebon, West Java, the success of a shrimp farm isn’t just measured by the harvest it’s measured by the health of the water. For Agung, the Operational Manager at PT Sumber Laut Mitra and PT Daun Udang Aquaculture, farming shrimp is a delicate balance of business precision and environmental stewardship. Agung isn't just managing a facility; he’s managing an ecosystem. His philosophy is simple but firm: if you don’t care for the water, the water won’t care for you.
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The "Absolute Rules" of Quality

Agung operates by a strict set of protocols designed to ensure that every shrimp exported to tables across the US meets the highest standards. His "Absolute Rules" are the backbone of the farm's operations:

  • Pristine Ponds: Cleanliness isn't optional. It’s the foundation of a healthy shrimp population and gives the team total confidence in the product.
  • Strict Management Protocols: Consistency is key. By following rigorous management sets, the farm eliminates the variables that lead to instability.
  • Environmental Awareness: For Agung, a technician’s job goes beyond the shrimp. "We cannot just think of the shrimps," he explains. "We have to consider the whole environment."

Sustainability as a Business Strategy

While many see sustainability as a buzzword, Agung sees it as a financial and operational necessity. To him, efficiency and environmental care are two sides of the same coin.

"To make sure the business is sustainable, we must take care of the environment," says Agung. "That is by properly managing the wastewater instead of carelessly dumping it back into the ocean."

This isn't just about altruism, it's about survival. Because the farm relies on the ocean for its water supply, any waste dumped carelessly today becomes the contaminated water they would have to use tomorrow. By managing wastewater responsibly, Agung ensures a circular system that keeps the business viable for years to come.

Why It Matters to Your Table

When you see our shrimp at your local Kroger, Target, or Stater Bros, you are seeing the result of Agung’s dedication in West Java. It is a product born from a farm where "comfort and safety" aren’t just for the staff, but for the environment itself. By keeping the ponds clean and the ocean protected, Agung ensures that only the cleanest, highest-quality shrimp makes the journey from his home in Cirebon to yours.

Experience the Farm First Hand

Want to see the Cirebon ponds for yourself and hear more from the experts on the ground?