Zulhas requested that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) increase the use of eggs in the MBG menu to at least two days per week. The additional egg absorption through the MBG program is considered necessary due to the current oversupply of eggs, while prices at the farm level continue to decline.

“In addition, we have asked BGN to ensure the price aligns with the highest retail price (HET) for eggs. If egg usage is increased by just two days, that would mean 48 million eggs in a single procurement,” said Zulhas while inspecting food prices and supplies at Pasar Palmerah on Wednesday (13/5/2026).

He added that egg prices at Pasar Palmerah were around Rp27,000/kg, still below the government’s highest retail price (HET) of approximately Rp30,000/kg. Meanwhile, at the farm level, egg prices have dropped to around Rp20,000/kg from the normal level of Rp23,000/kg.

“The government is working to maintain price balance so it remains affordable for consumers while still providing profit margins for farmers. If prices stay at the HET level, it is not too burdensome for consumers and remains sufficient for farmers. If prices fall too low, farmers risk shutting down,” he explained.

During his market visit, Zulhas also directly contacted BGN Head Dadan Hindayana to request an increase in egg usage in the MBG menu.

“Mr. Dadan, egg prices are below the HET. There is a request from layer farmers for BGN to use eggs more frequently over the next few days so that egg farmers can smile again,” he said during the phone call.

He believes that increasing egg absorption through the MBG program will have a significant impact on balancing national egg supply and demand. According to him, if the two-day egg-based MBG menu can be implemented this week, egg prices are expected to stabilize next week.

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