TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia has been included in a list of countries strictly prohibited from exporting poultry products and eggs to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has imposed a total ban on poultry and egg imports from 40 nations and a partial ban on 16 others.
In response to the restrictions, which took effect on March 1, 2026, Zulvri Yenni, the Indonesian Trade Attaché in Saudi Arabia, clarified that the policy is unrelated to halal concerns. "It is more about meeting quality requirements to comply with health, regulatory, and applicable standards," Zulvri stated in a written release on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
According to Zulvri, the Saudi policy outlined in SFDA No. 6057 presents an opportunity for Indonesia to renew its bird flu-free status. He explained that the obstruction of poultry and egg exports to the Kingdom stems from Indonesia's lack of a bird flu-free designation based on the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) report, last updated on January 28, 2026.
Zulvri emphasized the importance of updating this status to regain access to the Saudi market for Indonesian poultry and eggs. Additionally, he noted the necessity of ensuring that Indonesia’s export share is not seized by regional competitors, particularly ASEAN neighbors like Thailand and Singapore, which are absent from the ban list.
Zulvri mentioned that the SFDA will periodically review its import ban list in accordance with the global health situation and WOAH reports regarding animal diseases, specifically highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks. This step, he conveyed, reflects the Saudi government's commitment to closely monitoring evolving global epidemiological dynamics.
Indonesia joins 39 other countries on the total import ban list, alongside trading partners such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Germany, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Djibouti, South Africa, China, Iraq, Ghana, Palestine, and Vietnam.
Furthermore, a partial ban applies to specific provinces and cities within 16 countries, including Australia, the United States, Italy, Belgium, Bhutan, Poland, Togo, Denmark, Romania, Zimbabwe, France, the Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Zulvri highlighted that the path for Indonesian poultry and eggs to penetrate the Saudi market is through specific processing verified by a health certificate. According to SFDA guidelines, poultry meat and related products that have undergone heat treatment or other processing methods sufficient to eliminate the Newcastle virus will be exempt from the ban.
The condition is that such treatments must fully satisfy health, regulatory, and applicable standards. The process must also be supported by a health certificate issued by a recognized official authority in the country of origin and approved by the SFDA. The certificate must explicitly state that the measures taken are adequate to eliminate the Newcastle virus.
WOAH refers to the official reports published by the world organizations for animal health, formerly known as the International Office of Epizootics (OIE). The organization collects data from member nations on animal diseases, health, antibiotic use, welfare, and related food safety issues. This data is summarized in various global and regional reports, serving as a primary reference for countries implementing animal-related import bans.
Read: Indonesia Records US$0.95 Billion Trade Surplus in January
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Iran Denies Attack on Saudi Ras Tanura Oil Facility
4 jam lalu
Iran officially denies responsibility for the drone attack on Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura oil facility.
Indonesian Organizers Seek Mitigation Over Potential Umrah Delay
21 jam lalu
The Umrah operator said any official postponement must include a clear mitigation plan to prevent wider financial losses.
Trump Says War in Iran Could Last 'Four Weeks or Less'
1 hari lalu
Washington had previously announced the destruction of Iran's Revolutionary Guard headquarters. Trump said the operation is going according to plan.
US-Iran Conflict: Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh Urges Citizens to Report In
2 hari lalu
Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh urges all citizens in Saudi Arabia to report in following the US attack on Iran.
Saudi Arabia Launches Guidelines for Umrah Pilgrims Amid Ramadan Rush
4 hari lalu
Saudi Arabia tightens surveillance in Grand Mosque through digital system and vehicle restrictions during the Umrah Ramadan rush.
Indonesia to Export Rice to Saudi Arabia for Haj Pilgrims
6 hari lalu
Based on the Ministry data, 205,420 regular pilgrims and officials are registered for the 2026 haj, requiring a total of 2,280 tons of rice.
10 of the Most Expensive Dates in the World to Enjoy During Ramadan
7 hari lalu
Dates become the most sought-after commodity during the month of Ramadan. Some types are pricier than others, for several factors.
QRIS to Expand Connection to India and Saudi Arabia
7 hari lalu
Indonesia's digital payment system QRIS is now available in several countries, with fast payment transaction value reaching Rp1.8 quadrillion.
Saudi Arabia Sets Wednesday Start to Ramadan 2026
13 hari lalu
Muslims will begin fasting Wednesday for Ramadan, though some countries will start Thursday due to debate over the crescent moon's visibility.
UK King 'Concerned' by Andrew's Actions Amid Epstein Fallout
21 hari lalu
King Charles says he will support police probing his brother's ties to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5357081/original/011599400_1758518426-expressive-young-girl-posing.jpg)
