RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives lawmaker Riyono Caping has called on the government to pay serious attention to the plight of egg farmers, many of whom are now on the brink of bankruptcy. One such case has emerged in Magetan, East Java.

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician stressed that egg farmers must be guaranteed fair prices and assured absorption of their products through direct government instructions.

“Egg farmers need certainty in pricing and guaranteed absorption through the MBG (Free Nutritious Meal) program, with clear directives from BGN (National Nutrition Agency),” Riyono said in a press statement in Jakarta, Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

He highlighted the recent action in Magetan, where farmers distributed more than one ton of eggs in protest. However, he noted that such efforts have not succeeded in lifting farm-gate prices.

“The distribution of 62 tons of eggs in Blitar marked the peak of local farmers’ struggle in East Java. Prices have become unreasonable, MBG absorption is far from optimal, and middlemen continue to manipulate the market,” Riyono explained.

According to him, national egg stocks are currently abundant. By the end of 2025, Indonesia had 6.52 million tons in stock, while non-MBG domestic demand stood at 6.225 million tons.

“This leaves a surplus of 295,000 tons. With such availability, prices should remain stable and ensure farmers’ welfare,” he added.

Riyono further emphasized that farm-gate prices should ideally stabilize between IDR 24,000–26,000 (USD 1.35–1.46) (per kilogram, allowing farmers sufficient margin to sustain production.

“If prices keep falling, national production will be at risk. The government must act firmly to ensure local farm-gate prices remain within IDR 22,000–25,000 per kilogram, so consumer prices stay capped at IDR 30,000,” he urged.

The issue stems from recent demonstrations by egg farmers in Magetan, where prices have dropped to loss-making levels.

At the farm level, eggs are being purchased at only IDR 21,000–22,000 per kilogram, while production costs hover around IDR 23,000. This imbalance has left farmers facing the threat of collapse. (Gusti Panji)