Indonesian poultry farmers protest soaring feed costs and falling egg prices

Poultry farmers in Central Java, Indonesia, have taken to the streets in protest, citing a severe squeeze from soaring feed costs and plummeting egg prices. Members of the Cooperative of Prosperous Poultry Farmers (KPUS) demonstrated across several districts on Monday, August 10, 2026, to voice their grievances.

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Yesterday, members of the Cooperative of Prosperous Poultry Farmers staged a peaceful demonstration to convey a message to the central government because feed prices continue to soar. From April to August, it has increased by 25 percent.

Suwardi, the chairman of KPUS Central Java, stated that feed prices have surged by 25% between April and August. Simultaneously, the price of eggs has fallen to a low of Rp15,000 per kilogram at the farm gate since May. This disparity has made production costs unsustainable, leading to significant losses for farmers.

Farmers are also frustrated with the perceived ineffectiveness of government programs like MBG (Merit-Based Growth), which was intended to support them. Suwardi explained that despite agreements and official memos, local nutrition fulfillment offices (KPPG) have not seen a positive impact, as control remains with "kitchen owners" or managers, limiting the role of SPPGs (Special Purpose Government Bodies).

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The price of eggs has continuously dropped from May to August to the lowest point of Rp15,000 at the farm.

Although the National Nutrition Agency head suggested SPPGs should purchase eggs at Rp25,000 per kilogram, actual prices are much lower, around Rp21,000-Rp22,000 per kilogram delivered. Only a few kitchens in Kendal have committed to the higher price. The farmers' primary demands are a reduction in feed prices and an increase in the quota for subsidized corn (Jagung SPHP), which could lower production costs.

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The existence of MBG, although there have been meeting agreements and official memos, has no effect on the KPPG (Nutrition Fulfillment Service Office) at the lower level because everything is controlled by the kitchen owners or managers, so the role of SPPG is not maximal.

If their demands are not met, KPUS, representing 1,767 farmers in 10 districts, plans to escalate their protest by petitioning President Joko Widodo directly at the State Palace for protection and to ensure their continued existence.

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The fact is far from it. They buy at Rp21-Rp22 thousand (per kilo) already delivered. For example, in Kendal, as of today, only a few kitchens have committed to buying at Rp26 thousand.