Indonesia expands cage-free egg production
Government regulations and corporate commitments drive change in poultry farming practices.
INDONESIA – Indonesia is moving toward wider adoption of cage-free egg production as the government develops formal regulations that support laying hens being raised in more open systems.
Dr. Puguh Wahyudi, head of the Animal Welfare Advocacy Working Team at the Ministry of Agriculture, said the new regulations will provide a legal framework for animal welfare standards and offer certification guidance for farmers transitioning to cage-free operations.
International charity Lever Foundation is assisting local businesses in the shift, with Sandi Dwiyanto, the organization’s Sustainable Poultry Program Manager, noting that more than 100 Indonesian companies have already committed to cage-free practices, joining over 2,000 firms worldwide since 2015.
Global restaurant and food brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf are progressing toward their cage-free goals, while local retailer Superindo has pledged to offer only cage-free eggs, with hospitality companies including Ismaya, Bali Budha, and Jiwa Jawi following suit.
The government acknowledges that export markets are increasingly requiring cage-free production, referencing European Union regulations demanding 100 percent cage-free eggs and World Trade Organization rulings recognizing animal welfare as a valid trade consideration.
Dr. Wahyudi emphasized that support is being provided to farmers who are beginning to implement cage-free systems, with authorities aiming to ensure that Indonesian egg products meet future export requirements and consumer expectations.
Tjahya Dharma Gandawijaya of PT Inti Prima Satwa Sejahtera highlighted the need for cooperation across multiple sectors, including feed, equipment, and pharmaceuticals, to make the transition feasible for producers.
Lever Foundation is reportedly helping by offering technical advice, sharing international best practices, and connecting companies with resources needed to meet their cage-free commitments.
With government regulations nearing completion and adoption among businesses accelerating, Indonesia is positioning itself as a leader in Southeast Asia for cage-free egg production, demonstrating how regulatory frameworks and corporate engagement can work together to change industry practices.
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