Indonesia: New rules to protect farm animals

Key Provisions of the New Regulation

The new draft law , currently being reviewed, sets ambitious goals. it will cover all categories of animals—from farm animals to pets, service animals, and laboratory animals. The primary focus is on implementing a certification system for farmers who are committed to more humane and sustainable farming practices. This will not only improve animal welfare but also enhance the quality of products entering the market.

According to Pugu Wahyudi, HEAD of the Animal Welfare Department at the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, this regulation will become the legal basis for animal welfare standards in the country. He emphasized that one of the key aspects will be support for cage-free egg production for laying hens, an important step toward humane poultry farming.

Supporting International Initiatives

Indonesian authorities do not act in a vacuum. Since 2015, more than 2,000 international companies, including giants like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Nestlé, have committed to transitioning to cage-free egg production by 2025. This creates pressure on local producers to adapt to new standards. The domestic market is also responding to these changes: the supermarket Superindo has pledged to sell only free-range eggs , and restaurants such as Ismaya and Jiwa Jawi have already begun transitioning to more humane practices.

Impact on Society and the Economy:

The development of new animal welfare regulations will not only improve animal welfare but also have a positive impact on society as a whole. Humane animal treatment is becoming an important part of public consciousness, and growing interest in ethical food production is creating new business opportunities. This could also contribute to Indonesia's image on the international stage, demonstrating that the country is ready to adapt to modern requirements and standards.

Indonesia is on the cusp of a significant shift in its approach to agriculture and animal welfare. The new animal welfare regulations will be a significant step toward creating a more humane and sustainable agricultural sector. Supporting cage-free housing and implementing a certification system is not only a response to international challenges but also an opportunity for the country to take a leading position in ethical production. As a result, Indonesia could become a model for other countries seeking to improve animal welfare standards and sustainability.