Self-reliance does not mean isolating oneself from global trade; rather, it means ensuring that external shocks do not immediately disrupt household food security.
Food security has always been the foundation for developing high-quality human resources. A country that can guarantee the availability of nutritious food for its people possesses a strong foundation to build a healthy, productive, and competitive generation. In this context, animal protein plays the most strategic role.
By maintaining a stable, safe, and affordable supply of animal protein, a nation is effectively making a long-term investment in the quality of its people. This is because the essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals found in animal protein—such as chicken meat and eggs—cannot be fully replaced by other food sources.
A clear example emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world witnessed just how fragile the global food system could be. Producing countries rushed to secure their domestic needs. Export restrictions, logistical disruptions, and shifts in trade policies limited access to food products, including animal protein.
When imports were disrupted, countries that lacked self-sufficiency faced the risks of shortages and price volatility. This situation underscored one key lesson: excessive dependence on external supplies is a vulnerability that cannot be ignored.
Today, even though global trade flows have largely returned to normal, challenges remain. Feed ingredient prices are still influenced by global markets. Climate change and geopolitical tensions add further pressure. At the same time, public awareness of nutrition continues to rise, while purchasing power and access remain uneven. In other words, growing demand for animal protein is not always matched by increasingly complex production and distribution dynamics.
Within this landscape, the poultry sector occupies a pivotal position. Poultry serves as the backbone of national animal protein supply. Short production cycles, high productivity, and affordable prices make chicken meat and eggs the primary sources of protein for most Indonesian households.
Poultry products are widely available across market channels, from traditional markets to modern retail outlets. They are also relatively easy to process and broadly accepted across cultures. It is no exaggeration to say that this sector is a main pillar of Indonesia’s protein self-reliance.
Nevertheless, the level of animal protein consumption among the population still needs to be increased. The diets of many Indonesian families remain dominated by carbohydrates, while eggs and meat have yet to become regular menu items.
This article is an excerpt from the Post-Harvest section of P Majalah Poultry Indonesia Edisi Januari 2026. Read the full article in Poultry Indonesia Magazine January 2026 Edition. For subscriptions or further information, please contact: https://wa.me/+6287780120754 or sirkulasipoultry@gmail.com.
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