Agriculture Ministry's Response to Saudi Arabia's Poultry Import Restrictions
The Ministry of Agriculture has outlined several measures the government is taking in response to poultry and egg import restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority. Agung Suganda, Director General of Livestock and Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that the government views Saudi Arabia’s sanitary restrictions as an opportunity to strengthen Indonesia’s position in global livestock trade.
Suganda noted that Indonesia was added to Saudi Arabia’s temporary ban list in 2004 following the global outbreak of avian influenza. He emphasised that strengthening animal health systems is the foundation for gaining international market confidence. “We are therefore ensuring biosecurity, disease surveillance, and the consistent implementation of zoning and compartmentalisation as national standards,” Suganda said in Jakarta on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
From an economic perspective, Suganda explained that the impact of import restrictions on Indonesia’s domestic poultry industry is relatively limited, as poultry product exports to Saudi Arabia remain small, with the domestic market serving as the primary driver of production. However, the government views this situation as an opportunity to strengthen animal health system credibility and export preparedness.
The Ministry of Agriculture identifies Indonesia as ASEAN’s largest poultry producer, with a population of approximately 3.9 billion birds. National production capacity has exceeded domestic demand, opening opportunities for poultry and related product exports. Notably, Indonesia can continue exporting processed poultry products.
According to Ministry records, processed chicken meat exports to Saudi Arabia in 2023 reached 19 tonnes, valued at approximately US$294,654. Additionally, other processed chicken-based product exports have continued to grow, reaching over US$132 million in 2024. Suganda stated that the government continues to push for market access through veterinary diplomacy and strengthened downstream industry development. “Processed products provide a strategic pathway and demonstrate national industry readiness,” he said.