Livestock and Animal Health - MoA Indonesia

MoA with State-Owned Enterprises Strengthen Integrated Poultry Downstream Program in Bone to Support Smallholder Farmers

Makassar — The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), together with state-owned food enterprises (SOEs), has reaffirmed its commitment to developing an integrated poultry downstream industry in Bone Regency, South Sulawesi, as part of efforts to strengthen smallholder farming and establish new food production hubs outside Java. The program is designed to integrate the entire supply chain, from breeding and feed production to farming operations and market absorption for smallholder farmers.

Director General of Livestock and Animal Health Services at the MoA, Agung Suganda, said the integrated poultry downstream initiative is considered a national strategic project closely monitored by the central government due to its long-term role in building Indonesia’s smallholder-based poultry industry.

“This is not a small initiative. It is a national strategic project aimed at building an integrated poultry downstream ecosystem while strengthening the position of smallholder farmers,” Agung said during a coordination meeting on the project in Makassar on Thursday (May 28, 2026).

According to Agung, South Sulawesi was selected as one of five priority provinces for the national poultry downstream development program because of its strong smallholder farming base and its significant corn production, which serves as a key feed ingredient. Bone Regency was chosen as the main location due to its ecosystem readiness and strong support from the local government.

“If Bone succeeds, InsyaAllah, other regions will be able to follow,” he said.

Agung explained that the government’s model places smallholder farmers at the center of the ecosystem. Through state-owned enterprises, the government will strengthen upstream sectors by providing breeding stock and feed, while farmers’ production will be absorbed through an integrated partnership scheme.

“The state, through SOEs, will provide breeding stock and feed while also absorbing the farmers’ output. This is the spirit envisioned by the Minister of Agriculture,” Agung said.

Bone Regent Andi Asman Sulaiman said the local administration is fully prepared to support the acceleration of the program, which is expected to create new jobs and strengthen the regional economy.

“Bone has around 60,000 hectares of corn farming areas, and during certain seasons it can reach up to 120,000 hectares. With this integrated poultry downstream program, we are grateful that feed raw materials can eventually be supplied from our own region,” Andi Asman said.

He also assured that the local government is ready to assist with various operational needs, including permits, workforce support, and materials to help ensure the project moves forward efficiently.

“If there are matters related to permits, land, manpower, or materials that we can support, we are ready to help so the project can move forward more quickly and in accordance with regulations,” he said.

Director of Business Operations II at PT Berdikari, I Putu Yastika, emphasized that the involvement of state-owned enterprises goes beyond developing a livestock project and rather builds a sustainable business ecosystem that provides certainty for smallholder farmers from upstream to downstream.

“This is not a small-scale project. It is an important part of the national poultry downstream development agenda that must be built collectively,” he said.

He added that strong collaboration among all stakeholders is essential to ensure the economic benefits are truly felt by communities and smallholder farmers.

“Openness and strong collaboration are key to the success of this program. It will not succeed without good communication and synergy among all parties,” I Putu said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the People’s Economic Empowerment Institute (LPER), Mulyadi Atma, said smallholder farmers in South Sulawesi are ready to support the integrated poultry downstream initiative because it offers the business certainty that independent farmers have long needed.

“We hope the program can immediately move forward at the farming level by involving independent farmers across South Sulawesi,” Mulyadi said.

According to him, the partnership model developed through the program positions smallholder farmers as key players in the livestock business chain, providing greater certainty for both raw material supply and market access.

“The state is present through SOEs, supported by the government, to create certainty in both raw materials and market access. This is what smallholder farmers have been waiting for,” he said.

The MoA believes the integrated poultry downstream development in Bone could become a national model for modern livestock development based on partnerships, not only strengthening food security but also improving the welfare of smallholder farmers. (*)

MoA Pushes for Self-Reliant Livestock Industry, Courts Investment in Animal Vaccines and Medicine in South Sulawesi

MAKASSAR — Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is stepping up efforts to build a self-sufficient livestock sector, with a fresh push to attract investment in a modern animal vaccine and medicine manufacturing facility in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi. The initiative brings together domestic private players and global industry partners in what officials are calling a landmark move toward national veterinary independence.

Director General of Livestock and Animal Health Services at the MoA, Agung Suganda, said demand for animal vaccines and medicines has been climbing steadily, driven by a growing livestock population and the government's broader food security agenda, including President Prabowo Subianto's flagship Free Nutritious Meals Program.

"The government is actively boosting national animal protein production by strengthening the livestock sub-sector. As a result, the demand for vaccines and animal medicines is rising, and we must be able to meet that demand independently and sustainably," Agung said at an investment discussion held in Makassar on Wednesday (27/5/2026).

Agung noted that the government, through the National Veterinary Pharmaceutical Center, is already upgrading its vaccine production facilities. However, current domestic capacity covers only around 32 percent of national poultry vaccine demand, a gap that makes private sector and global partnerships all the more critical.

"We are very open to technology transfer and expanded vaccine production in Indonesia, especially for vaccine types that we currently rely on imports to supply," he said.

Beyond poultry and cattle, Agung pointed to growing opportunities in the companion and sport animal segment. "Demand for vaccines and medicines for dogs, cats, and horses is surging, particularly in major urban centers. That's a highly promising investment space," he added.

On the international front, Zhou Yuegang, Chief Accountant of China National Agricultural Development Group (CNADC), who led the delegation from China Animal Husbandry Industry Corporation (CAHIC), expressed enthusiasm for deeper collaboration with Indonesia.

"We see Indonesia as a highly strategic market with tremendous growth potential in the livestock industry. We are fully committed to building a long-term partnership in animal health and vaccine development," Zhou said.

He added that internal discussions are underway to firm up investment commitments and technology cooperation with Indonesian counterparts. "We hope this partnership will evolve into a mutually beneficial strategic alliance — for both Indonesia and China," he said.

Meanwhile, Rahman Arif, a representative from PT Kawasan Industri Takalar (KITA), outlined plans for a modern integrated industrial zone in Takalar, designed to house a full ecosystem of logistics, port access, livestock industry facilities, and supporting infrastructure.

"The Takalar Industrial Zone is being developed to become a new growth engine for Eastern Indonesia, including an integrated and sustainable hub for animal vaccine and medicine production," Rahman Arif explained.

The MoA said it will closely oversee the investment process to ensure full compliance with Indonesian regulations, while also guaranteeing meaningful technology transfer and capacity building for the local workforce.

"We want this investment to do more than just bring in a new industry. We want it to build genuine national vaccine independence, strengthen biosecurity, and sharpen the competitive edge of Indonesia's livestock subsector," Agung said.

MoA Ensures Presidential Cattle for Eid in Sumatra Are Healthy and Fit for Qurbani

Padang—The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) continues to strengthen health monitoring of sacrificial animals, including ensuring that cattle distributed under the President’s community assistance program (Banmas) are healthy and suitable for qurban ahead of Eid al-Adha.

The monitoring aims to ensure the smooth and safe implementation of Eid al-Adha while guaranteeing that qurban meat distributed to the public meets the Safe, Healthy, Whole, and Halal standards.

Head of the Bukittinggi Veterinary Center, Tangguh Pitona, said monitoring activities are carried out through regular coordination with provincial and district livestock and animal health agencies across the Bukittinggi Veterinary Center working area, which covers West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, and the Riau Islands.

“Based on reports from provincial and district authorities, the Presidential Banmas cattle distributed to communities are in healthy condition, have undergone animal health inspections, and are equipped with Animal Health Certificates (SKKH) in accordance with existing regulations,” Tangguh said on Monday (May 25, 2026).

He noted that a total of 55 Presidential Banmas cattle are distributed across the Bukittinggi Veterinary Center region, consisting of 22 cattle in West Sumatra, 12 in Jambi, 13 in Riau, and 8 in the Riau Islands.

According to Tangguh, health monitoring has been conducted continuously from the initial livestock inspection in the area of origin, throughout the distribution process, and up to the period before slaughter.

To accelerate response measures in case of suspected strategic infectious animal diseases, Bukittinggi Veterinary Center also prioritizes laboratory testing for Presidential Banmas cattle.

“We prioritize laboratory testing for Banmas cattle so results can be issued faster without waiting in the regular testing queue. This allows local authorities and livestock suppliers to immediately take necessary action if follow-up measures are required,” he explained.

Laboratory testing is conducted based on field indications and includes screening for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), lumpy skin disease (L*D), anthrax, brucellosis, Salmonella Enteritidis, blood parasites, and intestinal parasites.

Tangguh added that coordination with regional governments continues to be strengthened to ensure both Presidential Banmas cattle and other sacrificial animals received by communities meet animal health requirements.

BV Bukittinggi is also preparing assistance from animal health officers during the slaughter of presidential Banmas cattle in West Sumatra to ensure Qurban activities are carried out in accordance with animal health and animal welfare standards.

“We continue intensive coordination with provincial and district agencies to ensure that Banmas cattle and other sacrificial animals received by the public are healthy and meet animal health requirements,” Tangguh said.

Meanwhile, Eliyus Putra, the official responsible for monitoring Presidential Banmas cattle at Bukittinggi Veterinary Center, said supervision is conducted through a layered and continuous system starting from livestock origin areas through to Qurban implementation.

“We continue coordinating with regional animal health officers to ensure every Presidential Banmas cow is healthy, free from signs of strategic infectious animal diseases, and handled according to animal welfare principles during maintenance and distribution,” Eliyus said.

The MoA emphasized that monitoring carried out from livestock selection to slaughter is part of broader efforts to safeguard animal health, food safety, and public confidence among beneficiaries of the Presidential Banmas program.

MoA Conducts Direct Monitoring of Sacrificial Animal Health Ahead of Eid al-Adha in Sulawesi, Maluku, and North Maluku

Maros — The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), together with regional governments, continues to strengthen health monitoring of sacrificial animals sold to the public ahead of Eid al-Adha. Intensive health inspections are being carried out at livestock trading points across Sulawesi, Maluku, and North Maluku to ensure animals are healthy and fit for sacrifice.

The Maros Veterinary Center, a technical unit under the MoA, has been actively assisting and conducting field monitoring alongside regional livestock and animal health agencies.

Head of Maros Veterinary Center, Agustia, said the effort aims to ensure sacrificial animals circulating in the market are free from strategic infectious animal diseases and meet the required standards for Qurban.

“Through strong collaboration between the central and regional governments, the MoA remains committed to supporting Eid al-Adha celebrations by ensuring the health of sacrificial livestock, allowing the public to perform their religious observance safely and comfortably. We also want to ensure that qurban meat distributed to communities meets the safe, healthy, hygienic, and halal principle,” said Agustia during a monitoring visit in Maros Regency on Monday (May 25, 2026).

He added that local governments, through regional animal health centers, had already been conducting routine inspections before the ministry's field visits.

“The MoA’s presence serves as an added layer of supervision and technical support, giving the public greater confidence in the health status of the animals they purchase,” she said.

Maros Veterinary Center teams have monitored four sacrificial livestock trading locations so far, one in Maros Regency and three in Makassar, accompanied by local government officers.

In Maros Regency, monitoring activities were carried out together with the Animal Health Center under the Maros Agriculture and Food Security Agency at UD Rahma Firdaus farm in Bantimurung District.

Meanwhile, in Makassar, Maros Veterinary Center and the Makassar Fisheries and Agriculture Agency conducted inspections at several livestock farms in Tamalanrea and Manggala districts.

During a visit to ATB Farm in Tamalanrea District, officers examined the physical condition of cattle prepared for Qurban and found no signs of disease.

The cattle had previously undergone inspection by the Makassar Animal Health Center and were declared healthy.

Head of the Makassar Animal Health Center, Nurmayanti, said her team continues to actively inspect sacrificial animals at multiple livestock trading sites.

“We regularly conduct health inspections at several livestock farms, including H. Madi’s farm. Cattle that have passed inspection are marked with a yellow sticker on their horns, indicating that the animals are healthy,” she explained.

As part of public assurance measures, Maros Veterinary Center also placed stickers reading “Animal Health Inspected” at livestock facilities that had undergone monitoring.

The marking serves as information for the public that animals sold at those locations have been examined by authorized officers.

Beyond field inspections, Maros Veterinary Center continues to maintain active communication and coordination with livestock and animal health agencies throughout its working areas covering Sulawesi, Maluku, and North Maluku to ensure monitoring activities run optimally ahead of Eid al-Adha.

MoA Ensures President’s Community Qurban Animals in Bali Are Healthy and Suitable

Denpasar — ​​The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) conducted direct monitoring of the implementation of the qurban (animal sacrifice) in Bali Province on Wednesday (May 27, 2026). They carried out this activity to ensure the smooth distribution of the president's sacrificial animals and the healthy condition of the animals.

Hary Suhada, Director of Livestock Breeding and Production at the MoA, stated that the qurban animals provided by the President of the Republic of Indonesia have been distributed to 38 provinces and 514 regencies/cities throughout Indonesia, including Bali.

“The distribution of the president's community assistance in the form of qurban animals is being carried out nationally, and the entire team continues to work together to ensure the smooth distribution, receipt, and implementation of the qurban. We also ensure that the animals provided are healthy and suitable,” said Hary in his statement.

He states that teams in charge of livestock functions are simultaneously monitoring various regions to ensure the animals’ health is maintained until the slaughter process.

A representative from the Denpasar City Agriculture Office stated that around 250 personnel across four sub-districts are involved in monitoring the sacrificial animals in their area.

“The personnel deployed consist of a team from the department responsible for animal husbandry, students and lecturers from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Udayana University, and the Denpasar City Indonesian Animal Husbandry Association (PDHI). All of them are working to ensure that the health of the sacrificial animals is monitored,” he said.

Meanwhile, a representative from the Bali Province Agriculture and Food Security Office explained that all the sacrificial animals distributed have undergone health checks by authorized veterinarians in each district and city. An animal health certificate evidences these checks.

On the same occasion, Imam Sucipto, Head of Mosque Construction at the Al Muhajirin 3 Mosque, expressed his appreciation for the sacrificial cattle donation from President Prabowo Subianto.

“We would like to thank President Prabowo Subianto for the sacrificial cattle donation he has provided to the community here. May he always be blessed with good health and continued success in carrying out his duties as a state,” said Imam Sucipto.

The Bali cattle distributed to the Al Muhajirin 3 prayer room weighed 560 kilograms. Meanwhile, the Bali cattle distributed to the An Najah prayer room of the Marga Utama Social Foundation weighed 608 kilograms.

The MoA hopes this monitoring will ensure the smooth implementation of the qurban and ensure that the sacrificial animal assistance benefits the recipients. (*)

MoA Ensures Safe Qurban; Vice Minister Sudaryono Says Eid al-Adha is Also a Feast for Livestock Farmers

Jakarta - The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has ensured that the implementation of Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah will proceed safely and conducively, while also boosting the economic activity of smallholder livestock farmers in various regions. The government stated that the national supply of sacrificial animals this year is in surplus, so the public need not worry about the supply of sacrificial animals.

Vice Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, stated that Eid al-Adha is an important momentum for the national livestock subsector because the increased sacrificial activity contributes to the economic growth of smallholder livestock farmers.

“Eid al-Adha is not only a Muslim holiday but also a special holiday for our livestock farmers throughout Indonesia,” said Vice Minister Sudaryono at the Nurul Iman Mosque at the Ministry of Agriculture, Jakarta, Wednesday (May 27, 2026).

According to Vice Minister Sudaryono, the high number of sacrificial animals this year demonstrates the public’s continued high level of awareness of the importance of qurban (sacrificial animals) and reflects the continued positive performance of the national economy.

“This indicates that public awareness, especially among Muslims, is high for performing qurban. Secondly, it can also be said that our economic condition is also good,” said Vice Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono.

The Director General of Livestock and Animal Health Services at the MoA, Agung Suganda, said the government continues to ensure the availability, distribution, and health of sacrificial animals so that the public can access safe, healthy, wholesome, and halal meat.

“We want to ensure that Eid al-Adha runs smoothly and safely because it is a ‘feast for livestock farmers.’ This momentum must provide economic benefits for smallholder livestock farmers while ensuring the public receives safe, healthy, wholesome, and halal meat,” said Agung.

The MoA’s identification results estimate that the total national supply of sacrificial animals in 2026 will reach 3,246,790, while the national demand is around 2,355,470, which represents a 3.82 percent increase compared to the previous year. Thus, there is a surplus of approximately 891,320 animals.

“The Qurban ritual for Muslims in Indonesia is a form of worship protected by the state. Therefore, the government is present to ensure the availability and fair distribution of sacrificial animals, guarantee animal health and welfare, and oversee the hygienic slaughter of sacrificial animals to ensure the meat received by the public is safe, healthy, intact, and halal,” added Agung.

To support this supervision, the government has deployed 8,633 officers to monitor sacrificial animals, consisting of medical and paramedical personnel from central and regional veterinarians, professional organizations, and academics from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine from 14 universities. Supervision is being strengthened to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), lumpy skin disease (L*D), anthrax, and other infectious animal diseases in the lead-up to Eid al-Adha.

Besides the national demand for sacrificial animals, the government has also noted an increase in the implementation of domestic hajj pilgrimages. This year, 32,691 goats were prepared for the hajj pilgrimage, which is considered having a positive impact on the economic cycle of smallholder livestock farmers in various regions.

The government is also distributing the president's community assistance for Qurban to various regions across Indonesia. This year, the president's donation reached 1,098 cows, including those for 38 provinces, 514 regencies/cities, the Indonesian capital, and community organizations.

Makmun, Chairperson of the Nurul Iman Mosque Prosperity Council (DKM) at the MoA, who also serves as Director of Livestock Product Downstreaming, said the high number of sacrificial animals this year reflects the spirit of sharing and growing social concern within the MOA.

“This year, the Nurul Iman Mosque at the MoA received 41 cows and 8 goats/sheep as qurban animals from the minister of agriculture, vice minister of agriculture/chairperson of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency/secretary general of the HKTI, ministry officials and employees, state-owned enterprises, development partners, and various parties who entrusted the distribution of their qurban animals to the MoA,” said Makmun.

The government hopes that this year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations will not only provide a sense of security for the community but also strengthen the economy of smallholder livestock farmers and national food security. (*)

Vice Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono: National Sacrificial Animal Availability Surplus, Supply Secure

Jakarta – Vice Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono stated that the national sacrificial animal supply this year is secure, even in surplus. Based on reports, the national number of sacrificial animals has reached approximately 3.2 million, while the estimated demand is around 2.4 million, resulting in a surplus of approximately 800,000 animals.

According to Vice Minister Sudaryono, this condition shows that the national livestock supply is in good condition and reflects the community’s resilience amidst various global challenges.

“This means, thank God, Allah has granted His blessings and provided His sustenance upon our nation and our country. Today, in times of hardship and war everywhere, we are in good condition; we should certainly be grateful for that together,” said Vice Minister Sudaryono at the sacrificial animal slaughtering event at the Nurul Iman Mosque, Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) Headquarters, Wednesday (May 27, 2026).

National data shows a trend of increasing public participation in sacrificial animal sacrifice. Based on iSIKHNAS data, the number of sacrificial animals slaughtered nationally in 2025 reached 2,268,764, an 11.5 percent increase compared to 2,033,995 in 2024.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s qurban implementation also reflected this optimism, setting a record high for the year. In 2026, 49 sacrificial animals, consisting of 41 cows and 8 goats, were gathered at the Nurul Iman Mosque at the MoA Headquarters.

This number increased significantly compared to previous years. In 2024, 2 cows and 15 goats were recorded, rising to 9 cows and 10 goats in 2025, and then jumping to 41 cows and 8 goats in 2026.

“God willing, our country is doing well, its growth is good, and we can see this participation from the number of sacrifices at this mosque alone,” said Vice Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono, who is also the chairpersonl of the Indonesian Farmers’ Association (HKTI).

The sacrificial animals came from various parties, including Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, Vice Minister Sudaryono, officials within the Ministry of Agriculture, partners, state-owned enterprises, and HKTI, which distributed 15 sacrificial cows. To ensure the slaughtering followed Islamic law and health standards, the committee involved 41 Halal Slaughterers (Juleha) under the auspices of the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services (DGLAHS).

“Please also ensure that all animal slaughtering is carried out hygienically, properly, and cleanly, so that no undesirable incidents occur,” said Vice Minister Sudaryono.

The Director General of Livestock and Animal Health Services at the MoA, Agung Suganda, also reported that the national supply of sacrificial animals is safe and under control. Based on projections from the DGLAHS, the total availability of sacrificial animals reaches approximately 3.2 million, consisting of 860,000 cattle, 34,000 buffalo, 1.4 million goats, and 935,000 sheep.

“We report that the national availability of sacrificial animals is quite secure and under control. The total projected availability is 3.2 million, while our projected national need for sacrificial animals is 2.4 million, so there is still a surplus of around 800,000,” said Agung Suganda.

Agung also stated that this year the government distributed more than 1,000 cows as community assistance from the President to provinces, regencies/cities, the Indonesian capital (IKN), and various community organizations.

“The total is over 1,000 sacrificial cows as community assistance from the president, and thank God, this number continues to increase every year. Last year, there were 981, and now there are over 1,000, as this shows the president's concern for all of us, especially livestock farmers,” Agung said.

Furthermore, the implementation of domestic Hajj sacrifices has also increased. Last year, around 10,000 goats were slaughtered through the Hajj sacrifice scheme, but this year the number has increased to 32,690.

According to Agung, this increase has the potential to have a positive impact on national livestock farmers.

“If there are 200,000 Hajj pilgrims alone, plus the need for qurban, then at least 2 million goats must be prepared each year, and this will be a blessing for our livestock farmers,” he said.

Hello , the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting the sustainability and growth of Indonesia’s poultry sector through open discussions with industry players.

On Monday (May 25, 2026), Dewa Ayam, represented by Febrineal Sandewa, met with Director General of Livestock and Animal Health Services Agung Suganda and Director of Livestock Breeding and Production Hary Suhada.

The meeting served as a platform to exchange insights on current conditions and challenges in the poultry industry, while also reinforcing collaboration to support the advancement of Indonesian poultry farmers.

The MoA remains committed to standing alongside farmers, helping them become more resilient, productive, and prepared to face future challenges.

Vice Minister Sudaryono: Food Production Rises, Imports Curbed, Agriculture Drives Regional Economies

Jakarta – Vice Minister of Agriculture and Acting Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, affirmed that the agricultural sector has emerged as one of the key engines of regional economic growth, following the government's success in boosting national food production and reducing imports of various strategic commodities.

Vice Minister Sudaryono, popularly known as Mas Dar, stated that policies aimed at increasing food production and reducing imports have delivered direct impacts on economic circulation within rural communities.

“Previously, our money was used to enrich other countries through imports. Now, that same money circulates among our own farmers. This is what drives regional economies,” said Vice Minister Sudaryono during the National Conference on Regional Economic Development themed Accelerating Regional Economic Growth through Cross-Sector Policy Synergy, held at Balai Kartini, South Jakarta, on Monday (May 25, 2026).

According to him, the agricultural sector generates extensive economic multiplier effects as it directly absorbs labor, creates new business opportunities, and stimulates economic activities within rural communities.

He cited Indonesia’s achievement in halting medium-grade rice imports in 2025, along with attaining self-sufficiency in corn and consumption sugar, as milestones that have opened new domestic production spaces previously occupied by imported products.

“This means new employment opportunities are being created, and communities that were once economically vulnerable are becoming empowered as production increases,” said Sudaryono, who is also the son of a farmer from Grobogan Regency, Central Java.

Vice Minister Sudaryono explained that the increase in national food production has been achieved through various production acceleration programs, including pump irrigation, pipeline development, irrigation rehabilitation, swamp land optimization, and the distribution of superior seeds as well as agricultural machinery and equipment. He added that the Ministry of Agriculture has distributed around 70,000 water pumps to increase land planting intensity from one planting cycle to two or even three cycles annually.

“The formula is simple: plant more so you can harvest more,” said Sudaryono, who also serves as Chairman of the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI).

Vice Minister Sudaryono further explained that agriculture remains the most accessible economic sector for rural communities and is capable of directly generating economic activity at the regional level. “The agricultural sector can reach all segments of rural society. When production increases, businesses expand, employment is absorbed, and local economies move forward,” he explained.

On the occasion, Vice Minister Sudaryono also highlighted the impact of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program, which he said has created a new market for national agricultural and livestock commodities. He noted that dairy cattle investment is now beginning to grow across various regions due to rising domestic milk demand. The government, he added, continues to promote the development of strategic commodities such as milk, beef, garlic, and soybeans to gradually reduce import dependency.

“The MBG program creates substantial demand for milk, vegetables, eggs, poultry, and other commodities. So, it is not only children who benefit nutritionally, but regional agricultural economies are also being energized,” he explained.

Beyond meeting domestic demand, Vice Minister Sudaryono stated that strengthening the agricultural sector has also begun to drive an increase in national exports. Based on Statistics Indonesia data, agricultural exports during January–December 2025 reached Rp756.59 trillion, rising by Rp166 trillion, while imports declined by approximately Rp41 trillion.

Moreover, Vice Minister Sudaryono commented on the strengthening of the United States dollar, noting that it could in fact present opportunities for export-oriented agricultural sectors, as commodities such as coffee, rubber, coconut, cloves, palm sugar, and coconut fiber are traded in U.S. dollars.

“When our exports increase, farmers can also enjoy greater added value because they are paid in dollars. This is an opportunity for regions to strengthen their agricultural export commodities,” he added.

In addition, Vice Minister Sudaryono revealed that the government is expanding new paddy field development outside Java as a long-term strategy to safeguard food security while simultaneously creating new economic growth centers across the regions.

“New paddy field development is not merely about meeting today’s food needs but about preparing Indonesia’s food and economy for the next 50 to 100 years,” he emphasized.

He added that, according to Statistics Indonesia data, the agricultural sector currently stands among the largest contributors to the national gross domestic product (GDP). Therefore, the government continues to strengthen support through subsidized fertilizers, agricultural machinery, and equipment, as well as affordable financing access for farmers and livestock producers.

“We are confident that the agricultural sector holds tremendous promise. Production exists, markets exist, and export potential is substantial. What remains is ensuring support from all stakeholders so that rural economies can continue to grow stronger,” he concluded.