Indonesia Eyes Poultry Exports to China, Middle East

Indonesia Eyes Poultry Exports to China, Middle East

Indonesia Eyes Poultry Exports to China – Indonesia is actively exploring new export opportunities for its poultry products, with a particular focus on expanding its presence in the lucrative Chinese and Middle Eastern markets. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and its deputy, Sudaryono, aims to address domestic overproduction while tapping into growing international demand for high-quality livestock goods. By targeting these key regions, Indonesia hopes to bolster its agricultural exports, create economic value, and ensure a more sustainable market equilibrium for local producers.

Strategic Expansion for Market Diversification

The decision to prioritize poultry exports to China and the Middle East comes amid a surge in global interest for protein-rich food items. Sudaryono explained that these markets are not only large but also highly receptive to Indonesian products due to their emphasis on organic and sustainably sourced goods. The strategy involves streamlining logistics, enhancing product quality, and fostering long-term trade agreements to solidify Indonesia’s position in the international poultry sector. Such moves are expected to reduce reliance on traditional export destinations while opening avenues for higher revenue and reduced waste.

With domestic production surpassing local consumption, Indonesia faces the challenge of efficiently distributing surplus stocks. The Ministry of Agriculture has outlined plans to improve cold chain infrastructure and invest in packaging solutions that meet international standards. These efforts will be crucial for maintaining the freshness and safety of poultry products during long transit periods, especially when shipping to regions with stringent import regulations. By addressing these logistical hurdles, the government aims to make Indonesian poultry more competitive in global markets.

Global Demand and Local Supply Dynamics

Recent price trends indicate a shift in the domestic poultry market, with broiler chicken prices rising by 4.11% weekly, reaching Rp21,736 per kilogram as of July 14, 2026. This uptick is driven by both increased production and the Ministry’s push to export excess inventory. While higher prices benefit farmers, they also highlight the need for a balanced approach to prevent market instability. By leveraging the Middle East’s demand for halal-certified products and China’s appetite for affordable yet quality-assured livestock, Indonesia can create a dual benefit: stabilizing local prices and increasing foreign revenue.

Exports to China are particularly promising, given the country’s large population and growing middle class. Indonesian poultry producers are now focusing on meeting the Chinese market’s demand for safe, traceable products, which aligns with the government’s emphasis on quality control. Similarly, the Middle East’s preference for high-protein, nutrient-rich foods makes it an ideal region for expanding trade. These markets are projected to see a steady increase in imports, creating a favorable environment for Indonesian agricultural goods.

As part of its broader economic strategy, Indonesia is positioning poultry exports as a cornerstone of its agricultural trade. Sudaryono reiterated that this push is not just about selling excess stock but also about building a resilient export ecosystem. The ministry is working closely with industry stakeholders to identify export-ready facilities and ensure compliance with international certifications, such as ISO and HACCP. These steps will help Indonesia compete with other poultry-exporting nations like Brazil and the United States.

Collaboration with the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and the National Food Agency (Bapanas) is playing a vital role in supporting this strategy. The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, which distributes food to underserved communities, is being integrated with export initiatives to utilize surplus chicken and egg supplies. This not only reduces waste but also provides affordable nutrition to millions of Indonesians, while simultaneously preparing the market for international trade.