South Tangerang, 20 August 2024 - To enhance the contribution of veterinary health to achieving public health while ensuring sustainable poultry productivity, the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health of the Ministry of Agriculture (DGLAHS MoA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), initiated a pivotal workshop on Private Sector Engagement (PSE) approach on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This workshop held in South Tangerang (19/08) brought together key stakeholders from the government sector, associations, and poultry industries to discuss the development of AMR control indicators in the veterinary health sector through the prudent and responsible use of antibiotics in poultry farming. The workshop is an initiative to align national policy directions ahead of the new administration and to prepare the National Action Plan (NAP) for AMR control for the 2025-2029 period, with a focus on reducing antibiotic use in poultry farming, which will impact public health. 

This workshop provided an opportunity for the private sector to contribute to the development of regulations and policies, which resulted in a significant commitment from the private sector to align with target indicators for the NAP AMR 2025-2029 and to collaborate with the government in developing joint strategies to tackle the imminent global threat of the "silent pandemic" due to AMR. The commitment includes support for a gradual ban on antibiotic use as a preventive measure in poultry farming to combat AMR and promote sustainable farming practices. Additionally, the meeting addressed potential implications in response to dynamic changes in policy direction, ensuring that the government and private sector can continuously work together to improve poultry farming practices and position Indonesia as a leader in joint AMR control efforts for other countries. 

Director of Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, ImronSuandy highlighted the significance of veterinary health in the context of health for all, aiming to make a substantial contribution for a healthier Indonesia. “Successful Antimicrobial Stewardship programs require strong leadership and dedication from both the government and the private sector. In Indonesia, private sector engagement in the poultry industry has been substantial, with numerous companies actively involved across various stages of the poultry value chain. Today marks the beginning of our joint efforts to build the nation, and we continue to serve as an inspiration for other countries in regional AMR control. This collaboration between the business sector and the government will undoubtedly be an approach we will continue to develop together moving forward,” said Imron. 

Since 2017, Indonesia has implemented a National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance Control, formalised through the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Regulation No. 7/2021. This plan emphasises the necessity of involving all key stakeholders to meet AMR control targets, with PSE playing a crucial role in fostering effective collaboration to achieve these critical health objectives. 

FAO ECTAD Country Team Leader, Luuk Schoonman, underlined the importance of strong collaboration between the government and poultry private sector for these initiatives. “The integration of these commitments into the National Action Plan highlights our dedication to enhancing livestock good practices and safeguarding public health. FAO’s unwavering support will continue until we achieve substantial and lasting improvements,” Schoonman stated. 

Team poultry health JAPFA Breeding Division at PT JapfaComfeed Indonesia Tbk, DalmiTriyono said, "We endorse the government's AMR control strategy by promoting responsible and prudent antibiotic use, particularly by reducing the use of antibiotics for prevention in poultry farming. Our commitment extends beyond mere compliance, ensuring that our poultry health practices align with the highest standards and sustainability. By implementing biosecurity measures, as well as adopting proper and sustainable management practices, we ensure that livestock remain healthy, productive, and safe for consumption." 

Surveillance Analyst Assistant Manager at PT MedionFarma Jaya, GianPertela said, "We support all government plans related to the prudent and rational use of antibiotics for animal health. Our commitment to this initiative reflects our dedication to contributing to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, safeguarding both animal and human health, and ensuring the sustainability of the livestock industry in the future.” 

Following the workshop, the private sector, in collaboration with the government, will develop outcome and output indicators to serve as targets for intervention programs. These programs will focus on enhancing AMR detection with improved surveillance, lab testing, and data sharing, as well as advancing Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) by building capacity, increasing awareness, and reinforcing commitment across both sectors. This event builds on the previous meeting held on 15 August 2024, which introduced the significance of PSE in AMR control and established target indicators for the NAP AMR 2025-2029.