Global Activists Urge Marriott to Fulfill 2025 Cage-Free Egg Commitment

JAKARTA - Peaceful action was held by animal rights activists from various countries, from Bangkok to Sao Paulo, to urge Marriott's international hospitality network to fulfill its commitment to use 100 percent of cage-free eggs by 2025.

Although globally the implementation of the Marriott-free egg policy increases by about 20 percent every year, especially in Western Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, achievements in Southeast Asia are still far behind. As of September 2025, progress in the region has only reached 42.65 percent, less than half of the targets set.

Marriott himself in 2018 announced a public policy to completely switch to cage-free eggs by 2025. With a three-month deadline, activists believe the company needs to step up efforts in Asia so that the promise is truly fulfilled.

In Jakarta, activists from Act for Farmed Animals held a peaceful demonstration in front of the Marriott Sari Pacific Hotel. A total of 13 activists unfurled banners that crowned Marriott the 'chair' of an irresponsible company on animal welfare issues. They also distributed a hundred leaflets to the public, which were greeted enthusiastically by the public.

"Because Marriott can fulfill its cage-free commitment in other areas, we believe the same can be done in Asia. There is no reason consumers in Asia should accept different standards, because chicken suffering does not recognize geographical boundaries," said the Head of the Act for Farmed Animals Campaign, Elfha Shavira in his statement, Sunday, September 28.

Since 2020, the organization has encouraged 51 local and global companies to implement similar policies. According to them, the increasing public concern for animal welfare reflects consumer demands for more ethical products, including in Indonesia and other Asian countries.

Saneekan Rosamontri, President Director of Sinergia Animal Thailand, added that consumers in Thailand now prefer compassion products.

"By turning to 100 percent cage-free eggs in Asia, Marriott can build long-term trust with consumers while leading the regional hospitality industry," he said.

Sinergia Animal also launched Cage-Free Tracker, a site to monitor the development of companies that are committed to transitioning to cage-free eggs. The organization emphasizes that conventional livestock systems restrict chickens in narrow cages the size of A4 paper, so animals cannot carry out their natural behavior. This condition is shown to cause chronic stress, fractures, to hair loss.

The founder and Executive Director of Synergy Animal, Carolina Galvani, emphasized that real changes could be made.

Marriott's progress in the United States and Latin America suggests this is possible. By expanding its policy to Asia, Marriott has the opportunity to lead the global hospitality industry with compassion and responsibility," he said.