22 Jul 2025
Indonesia ramps up chicken production for school meal rollout
The increase in poultry output will support the nationwide free school meal rollout involving 8000 kitchens by August 2025.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture will boost chicken production ahead of the August 2025 full-scale rollout of 8000 kitchens for the free nutritious meal program for school children.
Agung Suganda, Director General of ministry’s Livestock and Animal Health, said the current annual chicken meat production is stable at 4.2 million tons—about 340,000 tons above the yearly national demand.
The surplus volume, he noted, can be absorbed once 6000 kitchens are operational. Currently, only 2000 kitchens are functioning.
“That’s why we will soon invite all poultry industry stakeholders to discuss strategies and prepare for the kitchen expansion,” he said.
Surplus and global rankings
Indonesia also produces 6.5 million tons of eggs annually, with a surplus of 300,000 tons.
Despite production controls, the country fourth globally in chicken meat output—behind China, the US, and Brazil—and third in egg production.
Mr Suganda emphasized that production levels are being regulated to keep farmgate prices above production costs. Producing live broilers and eggs currently cost USD 1.10/kg and USD 1.35/kg, respectively.
One of the ministry’s contingency options is removing the production cap on DOC. “If we fully lift the DOC production limit, national distribution could reach 90 million chicks per week,” he said.
He added that any decision to increase DOC production will consider the national supply-demand balance and export market needs.
“The government’s priority is to ensure domestic availability of chicken and eggs, and that begins with strong, stable chick production,” he said.
