POULTRYINDONESIA, Jakarta – The restrictions on poultry and egg imports imposed by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) on Indonesia are viewed as a common practice in international trade. The government is using this momentum to strengthen national animal health standards to expand future export opportunities for poultry products.

According to a release from the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health (Ditjen PKH), Indonesia has been on Saudi Arabia’s temporary ban list since 2004 following the global outbreak of avian influenza. This policy is not new, as Saudi Arabia periodically updates its list of affected countries based on the global development of poultry diseases.

Agung Suganda, Director General of Livestock and Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized that this situation serves as a catalyst for strengthening the national veterinary system.

“With this momentum, we are striving to strengthen the animal health system. We are ensuring that biosecurity and disease surveillance are implemented consistently as national standards to increase international market confidence,” Agung stated at the Ministry of Agriculture Office, Jakarta, Wednesday (Feb 25, 2025).

Economic Impact and Market Strategy

From an economic perspective, the impact of this policy on the national poultry industry is considered limited. Thus far, Indonesian poultry exports to Saudi Arabia have not been significant, while the domestic market remains the backbone of national production.

“Nevertheless, we must continue to seek export potential, considering Indonesia is the largest poultry producer in ASEAN with a livestock population reaching approximately 3.9 billion head, far exceeding domestic consumption needs,” he added. He noted that the government’s goal is not just market access, but ensuring Indonesian products meet globally recognized standards. Processed products are a strategic path and proof of the national industry’s readiness to compete globally.

Export Progress and Requirements

Despite restrictions, the export route for processed poultry remains open, provided the products undergo heat treatment at temperatures capable of inactivating the HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) virus.

Meanwhile, Makmun, Director of Downstreaming Livestock Products, explained that market access for fresh products like carcasses and eggs has not yet been granted. “Exports of poultry products to Saudi Arabia are still in the requirements negotiation stage. For carcasses and eggs—both fresh and frozen—approval has not been granted so far,” he said.

However, some progress has been recorded:

• 2023: Processed chicken meat exports reached 19 tons, valued at approximately USD 294,654.

• 2024: Other processed chicken products surged to over USD 132 million.

• 2025: Indonesia successfully obtained export permits for heat-treated retort sterilized products (e.g., chicken stew/semur, opor, and chicken rendang) specifically for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Strengthening the National System

Hendra Wibawa, Director of Animal Health, mentioned that zoning and compartmentalization are key to gradually opening market access. “Through these measures, trade can be conducted safely based on risk while supporting technical dialogue with destination countries,” Hendra said.

To meet international standards, the Ministry of Agriculture is implementing comprehensive measures:

• Layered biosecurity in production centers.

• Enhanced disease surveillance and risk-based vaccination.

• Strict control of poultry and product movement.

• Alignment of veterinary certification with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards.

• Improved traceability and audits of export facilities.

With these reinforcements, the government is optimistic that the national poultry industry will not only meet domestic needs but also become increasingly ready to penetrate the global market with world-recognized animal health standards.

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