The diversion of approximately 5 million tons of SBM imports to SOEs starting in 2026 is expected to help maintain feed supply and price stability. However, it has also raised concerns among farmers regarding the potential increase in production costs and the need for special protection for small-scale farmers.

The government policy to shift the import of Plant-Based Feed Ingredients (BPAT), particularly soybean meal (SBM), from the private sector to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) starting in 2026 has drawn mixed responses from players in the national poultry industry. Beginning next year, SBM imports will be handled by the SOE PT Berdikari, with a target of approximately ±5 million tons to meet the needs of feed mills and independent farmers. This volume will be evaluated periodically in accordance with on-the-ground demand.

During a coordination meeting between the Ministry of Agriculture, PT Berdikari, and representatives of farmer associations and cooperatives in Jakarta on Monday (December 29, 2025), the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health, Agung Suganda, emphasized that the regulation of soybean and derivative imports is in line with the mandate of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution and the President’s directive for SOEs to be actively involved in supporting national strategic programs. According to him, SBM is a strategic BPAT, second only to corn, accounting for around 25% of poultry feed formulations and representing the largest imported commodity each year.

“In 2026, the SOE—namely PT Berdikari—will be assigned to import approximately ±5 million tons of SBM for the needs of feed mills and independent farmers. This volume will be evaluated periodically. This policy refers to Law No. 18 of 2009 and Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 57 of 2015,” he added.

He further explained that to anticipate the transition period, the Ministry of Agriculture has also ensured the safeguarding of supply at the beginning of 2026. Based on reports of import permits that had not yet been realized as of December 2025, estimated SBM availability is projected at around 541 thousand tons.

From the implementing side, PT Berdikari’s Director of Finance and Human Resources, Kaspiyah, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to carrying out this state mandate. She stated that as an SOE, PT Berdikari is responsible for maintaining the quality of feed ingredients and is open to input from stakeholders to refine the company’s systems, financing schemes, and operational readiness.

Meanwhile, the Director of Feed at the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health (Ditjen PKH), Ministry of Agriculture, Tri Melasari, stressed that the success of this policy largely depends on the continuity of supply, quality, and pricing of feed raw materials. She noted that supply availability, quality assurance, and price stability are shared concerns, and therefore the government, through SOEs, needs to prepare strategic measures and actionable recommendations.

At the same occasion, several parties highlighted the readiness of PT Berdikari, both in terms of systems and infrastructure, to ensure smooth policy implementation without causing negative impacts on smallholder farmers. The Chairman of the Presidium of the National Egg Producers Association (Pinsar Petelur Nasional), Yudianto Yosgiarso, stated that in principle farmers are ready to support government policy, provided it is implemented with thorough preparation. He emphasized that the management of important branches of production must be directed as much as possible toward the prosperity of the people.

Between concern and hope

Based on information obtained by Poultry Indonesia, going forward, business actors requiring SBM will need to coordinate directly with PT Berdikari to obtain supplies. To avoid market turbulence during the transition period, the government is still providing a transition window, during which business actors are allowed to import SBM directly until March 31, 2026. The import volume during this period will refer to the import plans that have been submitted or coordinated with PT Berdikari up to January 8, 2026.

This article is an excerpt from the Special Report section of Poultry Indonesia magazine, January 2026 edition. Read the full report in Poultry Indonesia Magazine, January 2026 edition. For subscriptions or further information, contact: https://wa.me/+6287780120754 or sirkulasipoultry@gmail.com

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