Central Papua to Protect Local Egg Farmers by Limiting External Supply

The Central Papua Provincial Government is moving to protect local egg farmers in Nabire by limiting the supply of eggs from outside the region, aiming to ensure local producers remain prosperous and gain economic value. Brian Sendoh, Head of Trade at the Central Papua Industry, Trade, Cooperatives and SMEs Office, stated in Nabire on Tuesday that the large influx of external eggs is threatening local poultry businesses. “The provincial government is conducting a study and evaluation regarding stock availability and community egg needs before issuing a governor’s circular on limiting the entry of eggs from outside the region,” he said. He explained that the study is intended to ensure the policy does not disrupt public supply while providing space for local farmers to grow. His office is coordinating with the Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID) of Central Papua and district governments, particularly egg-producing areas like Nabire and Mimika. He noted that while local egg production in Central Papua is steadily increasing, farmers face challenges because external supplies continue to enter in large volumes at cheaper prices. “The local government’s policy focuses more on empowering local egg entrepreneurs in Central Papua so their businesses can grow and develop,” he added. The situation requires attention because rising animal feed prices have increased local farmers’ production costs. Meanwhile, eggs from outside the region, especially from Surabaya and Makassar, are available in abundance at relatively lower prices, affecting the competitiveness of local products. Yasor Victor Sawo, Head of the Nabire Regency Food Security Office, confirmed that the supply of eggs from outside the region to Nabire remains quite high. He noted that in May 2026, 30.9 tonnes of eggs were brought in from Surabaya and Makassar, and by mid-June 2026, incoming supply had already reached 14.2 tonnes. According to data from the Nabire Central Statistics Agency (BPS), household egg consumption in the area reaches approximately 1,062,000 eggs, equivalent to 60 tonnes per month. Meanwhile, local egg production continues to rise as the number of layer chicken farmers in Nabire grows. One large farmer alone can produce around 12,600 eggs per day, equivalent to 378,000 eggs or 22 tonnes per month. Although the egg stock in Nabire is relatively abundant, the price at the trader level currently ranges from Rp70,000 to Rp80,000 per rack of 30 eggs, up from the previous range of Rp60,000 to Rp70,000 per rack. He explained that the price increase is influenced by rising production costs due to higher animal feed prices, meaning local farmers need policy support to ensure their produce is well absorbed by the market. His office is coordinating with the Central Papua Provincial Government regarding measures to control external egg supply, as the authority to issue permits for bringing eggs from outside the region lies with the province.