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Hello dear readers and welcome to this month’s issue of THE CRUST. As the year draws to a close, the festive season and holidays are just around the corner. For shrimp farmers worldwide, this is not just a time for celebration but also a time for reflection and hope. The challenges of the past year have been significant, but the wishes for the upcoming year remain steadfast: better prices, healthy shrimp, and good production. These aspirations drive our industry forward, even in the face of adversity.
However, this month brought unexpected and concerning news from the aquaculture startup scene. eFishery, one of the world’s largest aquaculture startups, is under scrutiny as its founders face investigation. While details remain unclear, the situation raises questions about the potential impact on the already fragile sentiment within the industry. eFishery has been a bea
con of innovation and hope, and any fallout from this issue could ripple through the aquaculture sector. We can only hope for transparency and a resolution that strengthens, rather than weakens, trust in our industry’s future.
That said, it’s essential to remember that the actions of one company should not overshadow the efforts of others. Many startups in aquaculture are tirelessly working to bring positive change, driving innovation, sustainability, and efficiency across the supply chain. These companies are integral to the growth and modernization of our industry. While setbacks may arise, it’s important not to let them diminish the potential and credibility of the entire aquaculture ecosystem.
As we step into the holiday season, I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our readers and contributors. Your dedication and passion for aquaculture inspire us to keep sharing stories, insights, and updates that matter.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May the year ahead bring prosperity, health, and success to you and your families. Let’s continue working together to shape a brighter future for aquaculture in 2025.
Rizky Darmawan
Chief Editor
The shrimp farming industry faces ongoing challenges, particularly from diseases such as White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND), and Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), which can severely disrupt production. Tackling these issues requires effective farm management, integrating advanced technology, and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
To address these challenges, leading aquafeed producer PT. Central Proteina Prima Tbk (CP Prima) continues to innovate by providing high-quality feed and educating farmers through initiatives like the National Shrimp Symposium. On December 2, 2024, CP Prima hosted the CP Prima 2024 National Shrimp Symposium under the theme “Smart Nutrition for Success and Sustainable Aquaculture” at Novotel, Tangerang.
In his opening remarks, Hendri Laiman, President Director of CP Prima, emphasized the importance of farmers making informed choices about feed formulations and cultivation methods to improve both the quality and productivity of their operations.
He also urged farmers to remain prudent in navigating the ongoing global economic uncertainty. According to him, farmers should focus on controllable factors such as seed quality, feed, water, and proper pond preparation. “Managing cultivation costs doesn’t mean reducing feed intake or switching to cheaper alternatives; instead, more important to pay attention to the right feed content,” he told the symposium participants.
The symposium was also held in Surabaya on December 4, 2024, serving not only as an educational plat-
form but also as a gathering point for federation stakeholders in the eastern region.
Esti Tuhu “Pipiet” Palupi, a feed nutritionist at CP Prima (CPP), explained that the company’s latest product addresses current aquaculture challenges while meeting the needs of shrimp farmers in Indonesia. The high-protein feed is enhanced with additional features to promote faster growth and improve shrimp stamina.
Pipiet told The Crust that when used correctly, CPP’s shrimp feed Irawan Pro can help improve Average Daily Growth (ADG), promote optimal shrimp growth for increased productivity, and enhance shrimp resistance to stress and disease. “When ADG improves, shrimp reach their optimal growth potential, leading to higher productivity and greater profits,” she said. “This feed also supports safe aquaculture practices and maintains water quality, ensuring a sustainable farming environment.”
However, she urged farmers to follow the recommended feeding guidelines in combination with proper water management. For instance, shrimp weighing 0.05–0.9 grams should be fed 60–18% of their body weight up to four times a day. As the shrimp grow heavier, the feed percentage decreases. For shrimp weighing 18–25 grams, only 2.7–2.2% of their body weight is needed, with feeding recommended up to six times per day (see Table 1).
Referring to that table, each phase of shrimp growth has a recommended feed size. Shrimp weighing up to 2 grams should be fed crumble feed measuring 0.425–1.0 mm. For shrimp above 2 grams, pellet feed is recommended, with sizes ranging from a 1.0 mm diameter and 1–2 mm length to a 1.8 mm diameter and 2–3 mm length.
According to Pipiet, Irawan Pro feed is made from high-quality ingredients, including fish meal, which is rich in amino acids essential for aquatic organisms. The feed also contains squid liver meal to enhance palatability, is enriched with organic vitamins and minerals to support shrimp health, and includes natural antioxidants to strengthen the immune system and reduce stress. Additionally, it is fortified with phytobiotics, which contain bioactive compounds to improve hepatopancreas health.
To support optimal shrimp growth, Irawan Pro contains 36% protein, along with essential amino acids (including lysine, methionine, threonine, and arginine) and fatty acids that are both complete and sufficient for promoting healthy development.
“The additional ingredients in Irawan Pro feed enhance the shrimp’s antioxidant capacity, helping them combat free radicals caused by oxidative stress, which often occurs when water salinity fluctuates due to unpredictable weather changes,” Pipiet explained.
In addition to having a high protein content, Pipeit explained that Irawan Pro feed is made with quality ingredients and additives that have been tested for their benefits. It is carefully formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of shrimp for optimal growth. Unlike other feeds, the protein in Irawan Pro is supplemented with nucleotides to support shrimp growth and immunity. It is also enriched with phytobiotics to improve hepato-
pancreas health, enhanced antioxidants to prevent stress, increased attractiveness and palatability, and chelated organic vitamins and minerals.
Hatmyanto Suryotomo, Shrimp Feed Marketing Advisor at CPP, stated that many farmers are satisfied with the feed’s physical performance in ponds and the achievement of ADG meeting their expectations. He assured farmers not to worry, as the CPP team will provide regular guidance in the field, monitoring the cultivation process all the way to harvest time.
Hatmyanto also emphasized the importance of proper feed usage, as it helps improve shrimp resistance to stress and disease. “This feed has excellent digestibility, which reduces nitrogen waste pollution and helps maintain pond health,” he added.
According to him, CPP is committed to supporting farmers in their cultivation efforts by providing technical assistance, mentoring, and water quality monitoring. They also offer laboratory testing facilities for water quality, microbiology, and PCR analysis. Additionally, they supply essential cultivation materials such as probiotics, disinfectants, and high-quality certified seed.
“CP Prima continues to innovate and conduct research and trials to address the dynamic challenges in shrimp farming,” Hatmyanto explained. “These updates are shared with farmers to help them develop safe, efficient, and profitable strategies and cultivation techniques.”
The commitment is centered on shrimp feed, which is a core focus of CPP. He concluded that “providing feed that aligns with the future challenges of aquaculture is essential for ensuring sustainability, growth, and farmer satisfaction. CP Prima is fully dedicated to this principle.” he concluded.”
THE CRUST - ZA, AB
In Part 1, we discussed the sources and impact of Total Organic Matter (TOM) in aquaculture systems. Now, in Part 2, we will delve into how to measure and control TOM levels to maintain optimal water quality and ensure the health of your aquaculture system.
Measuring Total Organic Matter (TOM) in an aquaculture setting typically involves the titration method. This method uses chemicals like potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) as the oxidizing agent and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) to create an acidic environment for the reaction. A water sample is prepared by either filtering it for dissolved organic matter or using it unfiltered for total organic content. The oxidizing agent reacts with the organic matter in the sample, and the amount consumed is measured to calculate TOM levels. This process provides a reliable estimate of the organic load in the system, helping aquaculturists monitor water quality effectively.
Optimizing Feeding
One of the most effective ways to control TOM is by reducing feed waste. Feeding smaller amounts more frequently, using high-quality feed, and ensuring that all feed is consumed can significantly reduce the accumulation of uneaten feed in the system.
2. Regular Pond Cleaning:
A regular cleaning schedule is crucial for removing organic waste, including uneaten feed and shrimp waste. Cleaning the pond floor, aeration systems, and filters regularly helps prevent organic material buildup.
3. Water Exchange:
Regular water exchange helps to dilute TOM concentrations by replacing a portion of the pond water with fresh, clean water. This practice improves water quality and helps control TOM levels, especially when they become elevated.
4. Aeration:
Adequate aeration is essential for increasing oxygen levels in the system, which aids in the decomposition of organic matter and helps maintain a healthy environment. Proper aeration also prevents TOM from settling on the pond floor and facilitates better waste breakdown.
5. Probiotics and Enzymes:
Adding probiotics or enzymatic additives to the system can help break down organic material more efficiently. These biological agents accelerate the decomposition process, reducing the buildup of organic matter in the water.
While the shrimp industry experienced a positive demand trend during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has faced a starkly different situation in the post-pandemic era. FAO data highlights a decline in global shrimp demand during the 2022–2024 period. This decrease in demand has led to an oversupply, causing shrimp prices to trend downward. The price drop has added to the challenges farmers face, who are already grappling with persistent disease outbreaks.
Hardi Pitoyo, a veteran shrimp farmer from Banyuwangi, East Java, recently shared his insights on the growing challenges in shrimp farming during his speech at the Shrimp Club Indonesia (SCI) national meeting in Lombok. He explained that in the past, shrimp farmers could turn a profit even if only 3 out of 10 ponds were successful. However, even with 7 out of 10 ponds thriving today, profitability is no longer guaranteed.
“This should serve as a warning for us. The aggregate supply of shrimp from Indonesia to the U.S. is decreasing. Is it because production has declined, or because exporters are unable to sell?” he rhetorically questioned.
Despite the increasingly challenging conditions, Pitoyo noted that some shrimp farmers continue to consistently achieve profits, whether in low or high-risk areas characterized by poor water quality and high disease prevalence.
“This gives me optimism,” he said. “There are still many farmers demonstrating strong performance. Some achieve high profits in specific zones, which is crucial. Even in highrisk areas, there are still many who succeed and turn a profit.”
He added that shrimp farming, much like any other business, is the
art of managing all aspects of production. While most farmers today focus primarily on partial management within production only, adopting a holistic management approach offers solutions to the relentless challenges in aquaculture. Therefore, shrimp farm management can leverage the "old but gold" SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. Based on his field observations, the shrimp industry faces at least three major threats and four key weaknesses. The prominent threats include disease outbreaks, rapid fluctuations in water quality, and intense market competition. Meanwhile, the critical weaknesses affecting success are biosecurity issues, seed and broodstock quality (primarily the responsibility of hatcheries and broodstock), production methodologies, and business inefficiencies that are often marked by cost leakages across various areas.
In light of these threats and weaknesses, Pitoyo recommends five strategies that shrimp farmers can consider.
First, Pitoyo advised starting by setting clear production targets. Farmers should determine the amount of shrimp they aim to produce at each location and calculate the required output for each pond. He suggested using the lowest market price—recently ranging from IDR 50,000 to IDR 70,000 per kilogram—as a baseline for estimating minimum production. This baseline allows farmers to calculate the production volume needed to reach the break-even point (BEP).
For instance, if the target production is 50 tons across six ponds, the average yield per pond must be approximately 8.5 tons. This calculation should consider stocking density and each pond’s production capacity.
2. Choose the Right Cultivation Methods
The chosen cultivation system—whether closed, semi-closed, or open— must align with production goals and environmental conditions. Farmers should avoid overloading systems or neglecting essential infrastructure like pumps and water reservoirs.
“If you aim for high production, the supporting infrastructure must be adequate,” Pitoyo explained. “For example, water intake systems should meet the needs of intensive farming to avoid disruptions.”
High stocking densities may pose significant risks in highrisk zones with poor environmental conditions. However, the key point is not the density itself but how the ponds can be managed to create conditions that still support high-density systems. Pitoyo said that this strategy is highly achievable today, thanks to rapid advancements in production-supporting technologies. “The advancements in technology have been so rapid that we can now prepare for potential challenges even before diseases strike,” he said.
3. Establish Disease Protocols
Once water sources and seed quality are ensured, ecological stability within the ponds must be prioritized. This involves implementing robust biosecurity protocols and water stabilization systems. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) should be documented and evaluated to improve practices in subsequent farming cycles.
“Failures in one cycle should not be repeated in the next,” Pitoyo warned.
“Every step must be assessed to prevent recurring mistakes.”
Efficient management of feed and other inputs is key to lowering production costs. Pitoyo suggested conducting a detailed review of all cost components to identify potential reductions or inefficiencies, particularly in areas that significantly contribute to expenses—such as electricity. In one instance, he discovered a difference in electricity costs of up to IDR100 million between two production areas using the same system. It turned out that the inefficient operation of a pump was causing excessive energy consumption.
He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that every increase in production costs generates a significant return, especially during times when substantial inputs are required to meet production targets. While quality inputs may be more expensive, they often result in better yields and long-term sustainability. Pitoyo explained, “For every additional IDR 1,000 spent, the return should ideally be IDR 5,000.”
Pitoyo believes in the ability of farmers and technicians to manage production effectively—except when it comes to biosecurity, which is often oversimplified. Biosecurity isn’t just about basic steps like washing hands and feet, installing fences or reducing disease vectors. More im-
portantly, it involves evaluating the surrounding water conditions to detect potential pathogens and making the necessary adjustments.
The level of biosecurity should align with the risk level at each farming location. Pitoyo categorizes these risk levels into three zones: low, medium, and high. In low-risk zones, water quality is typically excellent, often enabling farmers to use seawater directly without the need for treatment. Medium-risk zones are characterized by an increasing number of shrimp farms in the area, although disease levels remain manageable. In contrast, high-risk zones are densely populated with shrimp farms and have a significant history of disease outbreaks, requiring the most stringent biosecurity measures.
Understanding the zone is crucial for determining the appropriate biosecurity protocols. Each zone requires tailored treatments and protocols. For example, untreated seawater might suffice in lowrisk zones, while highrisk zones demand intensive water treatment and continuous monitoring. Pitoyo strongly emphasized avoiding the use of low-risk biosecurity practices in high-risk areas, as doing so could jeopardize the entire operation.
He concluded by emphasizing the dynamic nature of shrimp farming. By consistently evaluating and improving practices, farmers can not only survive but also thrive in a competitive industry. With strategic planning, technological innovation, and a steadfast commitment to biosecurity, shrimp farmers can overcome challenges and ensure the industry’s sustainability for future generations.
The shrimp market is currently experiencing significant fluctuations as we approach the end of 2024. This monthly update provides insights into current shrimp prices, market trends, and future projections based on recent developments.
As of December 2024, shrimp prices have shown a notable recovery after a challenging year characterized by oversupply and declining prices. In the first half of 2024, prices for various shrimp species, particularly Vannamei and black tiger, fell dramatically—by as much as 40% compared to the previous year—due to high stock levels and consumer hesitance stemming from economic uncertainties. However, as the holiday season approaches, demand has begun to increase, leading to a rebound in prices.
For instance, Ecuadorian shrimp prices hit historic lows earlier in the year but have since started to rise again. As of December, prices have increased by approximately $0.40 per pound in anticipation of heightened demand for yearend festivities in the U.S., Europe, and China. This uptick is expected to continue into early 2025, particularly with the Lunar New Year celebrations driving additional demand.
Several factors are influencing the shrimp market as we close out 2024:
• Demand Recovery: There is a noticeable recovery in consumer demand across major markets. Countries like Japan are experiencing increased shrimp consumption due to seasonal festivities, which has contributed to price stabilization.
• Supply Chain Adjustments: The global supply chain has faced disruptions throughout 2024 due to geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges. These issues have prompted producers to rethink their strategies, focusing more on valueadded products rather than bulk commodity exports.
• Regional Variations: Different countries are seeing varied trends. For example, Ecuador has gained market share in Europe as Asian suppliers grapple with production challenges. Meanwhile, Vietnam is shifting towards more sophisticated products like marinated and coated shrimp to meet changing consumer preferences.
Looking ahead, several trends are expected to shape the shrimp market in early 2025:
• Short-Term Price Increases: Analysts predict that shrimp prices will continue to rise in the short term due to increased holiday demand. However, a stabilization phase is anticipated by March 2025 as supply levels adjust to meet this demand.
• Geopolitical Risks: The global market remains vulnerable to the geopolitical risks that could further disrupt supply chains. Producers are advised to remain cautious and adaptable in their operations to mitigate potential impacts from such uncertainties.
• Consumer Preferences: The trend towards larger shrimp sizes and sustainable sourcing is likely to persist. Retailers are increasingly focusing on these aspects as consumers become more discerning about their seafood choices.
In summary, while 2024 presented significant challenges for the shrimp industry with fluctuating prices and oversupply issues, the outlook for December shows signs of recovery driven by seasonal demand. As we move into 2025, stakeholders in the shrimp market should remain vigilant about market dynamics and consumer trends that could influence pricing and sales strategies. The ongoing adjustment within supply chains and shifts towards valueadded products will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness in this evolving landscape.
Shrimp farming has never been more dynamic — or more challenging. As global demand increases and pathogens evolve, farmers must rethink how they approach biosecurity to ensure both productivity and sustainability. With new insights and tools, 2025 marks a turning point for farms aiming to stay ahead of the curve.
At the heart of this transformation is early pathogen detection. This practice isn’t just a safety net; it’s a strategy for safeguarding sustainability, reducing risk, and creating farms that can adapt to whatever challenges come next.
From unseen threats to the broader economic and environmental impacts of disease, here are the top five takeaways for shrimp farmers committed to a sustainable future:
Diseases don’t announce themselves. Sometimes, a pathogen exists in shrimp populations without immediate symptoms, quietly compromising stock health. For farmers, these unseen threats can spiral into crises, especially when point-of-care or on-site real-time PCR pathogen testing proves inadequate for early pathogen detection, as highlighted for WSSV in a recent CSIRO-authored report from the Australian Government1.
As Steve Arce, Global Technical Manager at Hendrix Genetics [Kona Bay], warns, “It’s not the pathogens we know of now that pose the greatest threat, but the yet-to-be-identified pathogens.” These hidden risks are amplified when farms rely on outdated or incomplete testing methods. With pathogens mutating and new strains emerging, traditional PCR tools are often a step behind. What’s needed is a forward-thinking approach that detects not only today’s threats but also tomorrow’s unknowns.
Effective pathogen testing goes beyond identification — it sets the stage for action. Early detection allows farmers to implement timely interventions, stopping potential outbreaks before they start. This is especially crucial for farms in high-risk environments.
Consider Islands Development Company in Seychelles, where shrimp farms operate on isolated islands surrounded by pristine waters. Islands Development Company’s Fisheries & Aquaculture Development Manager, Riaz Aumeeruddy, shares the stakes: “The waters around the islands are free of pathogens, and we do not want to take any risks of introducing any of these pathogens as this could put the whole farm in jeopardy.”
Detecting pathogens early allows farms like Islands Development Company to maintain their biosecurity zone or compartment, protecting both stock and the surrounding environment.
The process isn’t complicated, but its impact is profound. For Riaz Aumeeruddy, early detection led to the destruction of a contaminated batch of post larvae before they reached grow-out ponds. By taking decisive action based on testing results, the farm avoided a potentially devastating outbreak.
ing of all shrimp stocks with statistically significant sample sizes provides at least 98% confidence in health status,” he advises.
Shrimp farming has long grappled with the tension between productivity and sustainability. But early pathogen detection reshapes this equation, showing that biosecurity measures aren’t just safeguards — they’re investments in the farm’s future.
Atlantic Shrimpers in Nigeria offers a compelling example. Testing with Genics Shrimp MultiPath™ uncovered a pathogen in broodstock that was undetected in supplier-provided tests. “Without additional screening, we would have unknowingly introduced LSNV into our farm,” Françoise Pironet, Project Manager at Atlantic Shrimpers explains. Armed with this knowledge, the Atlantic Shrimpers team discarded the batch and took preventative measures to protect their operation.
This kind of proactive decision-making highlights an important truth: biosecurity isn’t just about preventing disease — it’s about ensuring stability and long-term productivity. Farmers who embrace this mindset are better equipped to navigate a changing industry.
This proactive mindset transforms biosecurity from a reactive measure into a strategic advantage. Farmers like those at VietUc Group in Vietnam echo this sentiment. As Mr. Tung Ma, Senior Board Executive, shares, “Continual improvement in company procedures, protocols, and operations is one of VietUc’s foundations of success. We turned to Genics when it came to reviewing and raising the standards of our biosecurity across the VietUc grow-out business. It was one of the best decisions ever made. I highly recommend the biosecurity services of Team Genics.”
By embracing holistic solutions like those offered by Genics, farms can align biosecurity efforts with operational goals, ensuring sustainable growth in the years to come.
In 2025 and beyond, shrimp farmers will face increasing pressures, from climate change to global disease outbreaks, and the ability to adapt is critical. Early pathogen detection provides the insights needed to stay ahead of these challenges.
Arce on Hendrix Genetics (Kona Bay) suggests that testing should extend beyond mandated requirements. “Routine screen-
1 https://www.frdc.com.au/sites/default/files/products/2019-089-DLD.pdf
This level of precision ensures that farms aren’t gambling on their biosecurity. Instead, they’re making informed choices that reduce risk and create consistency in production.
For isolated farms, pathogen outbreaks don’t just threaten stock — they jeopardize entire ecosystems. In the Seychelles, the Island Development Company team takes every precaution to ensure that pathogens don’t spill into surrounding waters. But even in larger farming regions, disease outbreaks have economic consequences, disrupting supply chains and reducing global shrimp availability.
By integrating comprehensive pathogen detection into routine practices, farms contribute to a healthier industry overall. When fewer farms experience outbreaks, the shrimp sector becomes more stable and resilient, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.
Genics supports shrimp farmers in navigating these challenges not only with advanced testing but also through global best-practice biosecurity audits. These audits take a holistic approach, incorporating systems design, animal husbandry, and operational goals to strengthen farms’ resilience.
As the shrimp industry evolves, the tools for managing risk must evolve too. Early pathogen detection isn’t just a response to today’s challenges — it’s a foundation for tomorrow’s success. Farmers who embrace this technology position themselves as leaders in sustainability, proving that shrimp farming can thrive without compromising the environment or the bottom line.
From addressing unseen threats to protecting ecosystems, these five lessons highlight the role of biosecurity in shaping the future of shrimp farming. For the shrimp industry, this isn’t just about protecting the present — it’s about building a resilient, sustainable future in 2025 and beyond.
Christmas is a time for festive meals, and white seafood provides an elegant and delicious addition to your holiday spread. From delicate shrimp to flaky white fish and buttery scallops, these ocean treasures offer versatility in preparation and a light, refined flavor profile. Let’s dive into some white seafood options and how you can incorporate them into your Christmas dishes this year.
White shrimp are a crowd-pleaser with their tender texture and mildly sweet flavor. They can be prepared in numerous ways, from sautéing with garlic and herbs to incorporating into a creamy seafood bisque.
Christmas Dish Idea: Shrimp Cocktail with a Festive Twist – Serve chilled white shrimp with a cranberry-infused cocktail sauce for a holiday-themed starter.
Cod is known for its firm yet flaky texture and neutral taste, making it a versatile base for various flavors. It’s perfect for roasting, baking, or frying.
Christmas Dish Idea: Baked Cod with a Lemon-Herb Crust – Top cod fillets with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon zest, and olive oil, then bake until golden brown for a healthy and delicious main course.
Scallops bring a touch of luxury to any meal. Their natural sweetness and tender texture shine when seared to perfection or served raw as part of a sashimi.
Christmas Dish Idea: Seared Scallops with White Wine Sauce –Sear scallops in butter, then deglaze the pan with white wine and a splash of cream for an elegant appetizer or main dish.
White clams are a versatile ingredient that adds a briny depth to soups and pastas. Their small size and tender meat make them ideal for festive meals.
Christmas Dish Idea: Clam Chowder Bread Bowls – Serve creamy white clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls for a comforting and hearty addition to your holiday menu.
While not always “white,” the delicate, sweet meat of snow crab pairs beautifully with holiday flavors. Its tender, flaky texture is perfect for salads or as a standalone dish.
Christmas Dish Idea: Snow Crab Caesar Salad – Toss crisp romaine lettuce with a light Caesar dressing, then top with chunks of snow crab for a refreshing holiday side.
Rosebay Unit A101, Graha Famili, Blok W, Pradahkalikendal, Kec. Dukuhpakis
Kota Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60227, Indonesia
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My secret to joy in life is in finding balance Balance in family, sweating, and making decisions