August 27, 2025

 

Indonesia strengthens ASF biosecurity for small-scale pig farmers

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) celebrated the successful implementation of the Community African Swine Fever Biosecurity Intervention (CABI) Programme in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

 

"The CABI programme focuses on protecting small-scale pig farmers by raising awareness and implementing biosecurity measures in areas vulnerable to African Swine Fever (ASF). This programme is also supported by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs," said Heronimus Hero, head of the West Kalimantan Agriculture Service.

 

ASF is a contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs. Outbreaks can reduce pig populations, disrupt pork production and trade, and lead to economic losses that threaten food security and the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.

 

"Thanks to the CABI programme, we can strengthen disease prevention at the community level and lay the groundwork for ongoing efforts. The provincial government is supporting the expansion of this programme to other regions, such as Singkawang," Hero added.

 

West Kalimantan currently has the sixth-largest domestic pig population in Indonesia. Approximately 80 % of this population is managed by small-scale farmers, making community empowerment key to ASF prevention in the province.

 

Director General of Livestock and Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, Agung Suganda, emphasised the importance of sustaining biosecurity practices after the CABI programme concludes in West Kalimantan.

 

"Biosecurity is essential. This programme has shown that practical and affordable measures can make a real difference in preventing ASF, especially at the farm level. These efforts will be expanded and replicated nationally as part of our national animal health strategy," Suganda stated.

 

FAO Representative for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Rajendra Aryal, highlighted that the CABI Programme represents a long-term investment for livestock farmers.

 

"CABI has built local capacity and promoted low-cost biosecurity practices, bringing a tangible impact in protecting pigs and securing farmers' livelihoods. FAO will continue to support Indonesia in strengthening its animal health system," Aryal said.

 

The CABI programme in West Kalimantan provides hands-on training, distributes biosecurity materials and equipment, and offers simple guidelines to help farmers implement ASF prevention measures effectively.

 

-      Antara / Indonesia News Agency