Heaptalk, Jakarta — Indonesia’s fisheries startup Aruna is reportedly cutting about 40% of its total employees. As cited in DealStreetAsia, this startup gradually executed restructuring from December 2024 to January 2025. The company claimed that this measure aims to bolster its long-term sustainability amid the ongoing challenges in the agriculture and fisheries industry.
As is known, the startup ecosystem, particularly in agriculture and fisheries, has been facing significant obstacles, including shifts in investor sentiment and increasing difficulty in securing capital. Even companies that have consistently upheld transparency and accountability have not been exempt from these financial constraints. Aruna has taken proactive measures to optimize its business processes and strengthen its resilience in an evolving economic landscape.
“In light of the prevailing economic climate, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to restructure our workforce as part of a broader strategic realignment. This step is essential to ensuring sustainable growth, improving productivity, and reinforcing our commitment to responsible and transparent operations,” CEO and Co-Founder of Aruni Indonesia, Farid Naufal Aslam, conveyed on the official website.
As Aruna navigates market fluctuations, it remains dedicated to adding value across the supply chain, supporting Indonesia’s coastal economy, and ensuring its operations continue benefiting local fishermen and industry stakeholders. Strengthening its operational foundation will be key to the company’s long-term strategic objectives.
Although there have been organizational adjustments, Aruna will continue strengthening business transparency and responsible practices. This startup will also focus on increasing productivity by amplifying the company’s operations and exploring strategic opportunities for sustainable business expansion.
“We will continue empowering coastal communities and deliver high-quality marine products to the domestic and international markets. The company will also amplify innovation and seek strategic opportunities for sustainable expansion within the fisheries sector.” Farid said.
Aruna was founded in 2016 by Farid Naufal Aslam, Indraka Fadhlillah, and Utari Octavianty to revolutionize Indonesia’s fisheries sector through technology-driven solutions. The company’s most recent funding came from a $35 million Series A investment, spearheaded by Prosus Ventures and East Ventures. In 2023, Aruna was reportedly on the verge of securing an additional $60 million in funding; however, the deal fell through at the final stages.
