# 360
Last week, the Central Government of Indonesia announced an ambitious plan to remove, permanently, the backyard and residential raising of poultry throughout the nation, starting first in Jakarta. Residents were given until February 1st to sell, consume, or destroy their small flocks. Since then, confusion over this policy and a good deal of public outrage has flourished.
The raising of backyard poultry is not only traditional, the eggs and meat provide a much-needed supplement to the Indonesian diet. Banning the residential raising of chickens will, no doubt, end up being a hardship on many families.
Earlier this week, the Central Javan Province indicated it would not be going along with the decree from Jakarta. Today, we get this, from the Jakarta Post.
Banten Council rejects regulations on poultry breeding
Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Banten
Unlike the Jakarta City Council, which last week applauded the administration's ordinance banning backyard farming in residential areas, Banten City Council raised objections Friday to a similar ordinance recently passed by the governor.
The councillors said the ordinance -- issued on Jan. 19 by Banten Governor Ratu Atut Chosiah -- would not be effective at stopping the spread of bird flu and called on the administration to annul it.
While residents are beginning to understand the importance of keeping birds away from children and living areas, commercial poultry breeders are more concerned about the financial implications of the ordinance.
The administrations of Pandeglang regency and Cilegon municipality have both said they will not implement the bird flu ordinance issued by their governor.
The councillors protested the ordinance during a meeting Friday with the provincial Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Agency.
Councillor Yayat Suhartono said it would be extremely difficult to implement the ordinance because the administration would face resistance from both commercial and noncommercial poultry breeders.
There have been attempts in the past to try to curtail the raising of poultry in residential areas, and they have collapsed under the weight of public opinion. It remains to be seen how strenuously the government will pursue this edict.
They risk alienating an already fragmented society by pushing this unpopular ban, while at the same time risk more infections, and a potential pandemic, if they do not take swift action.
They have a lot to lose, no matter what they do.
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