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POULTRYINDONESIA, Bogor – Ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026, many independent smallholder farmers are reporting a sudden disappearance of Day-Old Chick (DOC) supplies from the market. This shortage occurs during what is considered the “golden moment” for farmers to begin their production cycles, ensuring harvests align with the peak demand for broiler chickens during the Eid holidays.

“Usually, ahead of Ramadan, we book our DOCs well in advance. But this year, we are suddenly struggling to secure stock, even though our pens are ready,” lamented Heri Irawan, Secretary General of the Indonesian Independent Smallholder Farmers Association (PERMINDO), in a release received on Monday (Jan 9).

Conversely, breeding companies claim that their internal DOC stocks are facing shortages. Consequently, supplies previously promised to smallholder farmers have yet to be distributed.

The Data Discrepancy

This reasoning has raised questions among farmers, as data from the Poultry Breeding Companies Association (GPPU) indicates that national broiler DOC production is estimated at approximately 70 million birds per week. Based on these calculations, the GPPU has stated that the national supply of chicken and eggs is secure for the 2026 Ramadan and Eid period.

Kusnan, Chairperson of Permindo, expressed his frustration regarding the scarcity. He questioned why, if national production is supposedly secure, independent farmers are finding it nearly impossible to obtain stock.

Regulation vs. Reality

The government previously issued Ministry of Agriculture Regulation (Permentan) No. 10 of 2024, which mandates a redistribution of broiler DOCs. This regulation stipulates a fair 50:50 quota split between a company’s internal needs and distribution to independent smallholder farmers. The rule was intended to create a healthier competitive climate and grant smallholders broader access.

However, field implementation is reportedly falling short of expectations. Farmers report that despite the 50:50 rule, actual access remains heavily concentrated within the internal networks and affiliated partners of large integrated companies.

“On paper, it says 50:50, but in practice, we remain the last priority. DOCs are absorbed first by the internal divisions or contract farmers (plasma) of large corporations,” Kusnan remarked.

Missing the Market Momentum

This supply imbalance prevents smallholders from “chick-in” (stocking their pens) on time. Timing is critical, as it determines production cost structures, maintenance efficiency, and profit margins. Delayed stocking ahead of Ramadan means many farmers miss the market window where selling prices are typically at their highest.

“If we stock late, our harvest will fall after Eid. By then, prices have dropped, while feed costs remain high. In the end, we are the ones bearing the losses,” said Kusnan.

Structural Challenges

The DOC supply gap is even more critical considering the long-standing structural challenges faced by independent farmers. High input costs, selling price fluctuations that often dip below production costs, and a skewed market structure leave smallholders in an extremely vulnerable position.

“Every policy claims to favor the smallholder, but on the ground, we still struggle to get the primary raw material. DOCs are the lifeblood of production,” Kusnan emphasized.

Farmers are calling for government policies to move beyond administrative regulation and toward consistent enforcement with clear sanctions. Without strict oversight, there is a fear that DOC redistribution will remain a mere slogan without real impact.

While the government reaffirms its commitment to transparent and fair DOC trade through Permentan 10/2024, industry players argue that this commitment must be paired with rigorous field monitoring—especially during strategic market moments like the lead-up to Ramadan.

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