Indonesia Bolsters ASF Protection for Small-Scale Pig Farmers

Pontianak, West Kalimantan (ANTARA) — Small-scale pig farmers in West Kalimantan are gaining stronger protection against African Swine Fever (ASF) thanks to the successful rollout of the Community African Swine Fever Biosecurity Intervention (CABI) Program, a collaboration between Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Source: Pig333

At the program’s celebration in Pontianak, Head of the West Kalimantan Agriculture Service, Heronimus Hero, hailed the initiative as a breakthrough in safeguarding farmers who are most at risk. “CABI empowers communities to fight ASF by building awareness and putting practical biosecurity measures in place. With support from the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, we are now better equipped to shield farmers and their livelihoods,” he said.

ASF, a fast-spreading viral disease that devastates pig populations, remains one of the biggest threats to food security and rural incomes. West Kalimantan, home to Indonesia’s sixth-largest pig population—80 percent of which is reared by smallholders—has been especially vulnerable.

Hero noted that the program’s success has inspired the provincial government to expand it into new regions such as Singkawang, ensuring more farmers can benefit.

For the Ministry of Agriculture, the lessons learned from CABI will become part of a broader national animal health strategy. “Biosecurity is the backbone of disease prevention. This program has shown that simple, affordable practices can make all the difference at the farm level,” said Agung Suganda, Director General of Livestock and Animal Health. “Our goal now is to replicate these efforts across Indonesia.”

FAO’s Representative for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Rajendra Aryal, underscored the program’s long-term value: “CABI has not only protected pigs from ASF but also strengthened local capacity and farmer resilience. By promoting low-cost, effective biosecurity, it has delivered real change and safeguarded livelihoods. FAO remains committed to supporting Indonesia in advancing its animal health system.”

The CABI program equips farmers with hands-on training, essential biosecurity materials, and clear guidelines, ensuring that communities can continue defending against ASF long after the program’s initial phase ends.