POULTRYINDONESIA, Bogor – Efforts to strengthen the position of independent small-scale poultry farmers amid the rapid growth of the national poultry industry are increasingly becoming an urgent necessity. Through a deliberative meeting, representatives of independent small-scale farmers from various regions agreed to establish a joint organization called PERMINDO (the Association of Independent Small-Scale Farmers of Indonesia). This organization is expected to become a collective force to unify voices, advocate for shared interests, and promote the independence and welfare of independent small-scale farmers so they can continue to survive and grow.

One independent farmer from Bogor, Istanto, stated that chicken prices at the farm level are currently showing more stable conditions. He expressed appreciation and gratitude to the government for these efforts. However, he highlighted serious upstream issues, particularly regarding the availability and prices of livestock production inputs (sarana produksi peternakan / sapronak).

According to him, independent small-scale farmers are currently experiencing difficulties in obtaining production inputs, especially day-old chicks (DOC), at reasonable prices. In fact, DOC prices have reportedly surged sharply to above IDR 7,000 per chick. This situation automatically increases farm operational costs and squeezes farmers’ profit margins.

“I hope that with the establishment of the PERMINDO association, there will be a platform for independent small-scale farmers to obtain DOC, feed, and other production inputs at fair prices. That way, our businesses can not only survive but also develop. In addition, we hope the government will continue—and further enhance—its attention to independent small-scale farmers who truly depend on broiler farming for their livelihoods,” he said when met at his farm in Pasarean Village, Pamijahan District, Bogor Regency, on Thursday (18/12).

Meanwhile, PERMINDO Secretary General Herry Irawan also expressed appreciation to the government, which he believes has succeeded in maintaining the stability of chicken prices at the farm level over the past three months. Nevertheless, he emphasized that challenges remain and must be addressed promptly, particularly concerning the availability and pricing of DOC.

According to Herry, when live bird (LB) prices are high and stable, farmers may still be unable to enjoy these favorable conditions due to excessively high DOC prices. Furthermore, the formation of PERMINDO is also driven by strong aspirations from independent farmers across regions who need an official platform to convey and defend their interests.

“Going forward, competition in the poultry sector is no longer about large versus small players, but about competition between ecosystems. We hope PERMINDO can accommodate the interests of independent small-scale farmers and build collaboration with all stakeholders, so that a strong and sustainable business ecosystem can be created,” he added.

To strengthen its economic function, PERMINDO is also planning to establish the PERMINDO Cooperative as an official business instrument. This cooperative will serve as a source of organizational income as well as a tool for economic advocacy for its members, through collective feed procurement, provision of DOC and other production inputs, absorption of members’ harvested chickens, financing programs, and strategic partnerships with various parties. This cooperative model is designed to strengthen farmers’ independence while improving their bargaining position within an industry structure that has long been considered imbalanced.

Formation of PERMINDO (Association of Independent Small-Scale Farmers of Indonesia)

PERMINDO Chairman Kusnan emphasized that the organization exists as a platform for independent small-scale farmers in various regions, most of whom are currently facing difficulties in accessing production inputs at reasonable prices. PERMINDO is committed to fighting for farmers’ aspirations so that their access to business opportunities remains secure and sustainable, considering that many of them rely entirely on this sector for their livelihoods.

“To achieve these goals, we will collaborate with all parties—government, companies, and associations that have already been established. We want to facilitate independent small-scale farmers so they can grow together, not be left behind. Many of our members have been engaged in this farming business for decades, so it would be extremely difficult if they were forced to stop due to various challenges. Through synergy and collaboration, we hope farmers can grow, integrated players can grow, and the government can act as a mediator, so that the benefits of the poultry business climate can be felt by all levels of society,” he stressed.