DENPASAR - Around 10 activists and consumers held a peaceful action in front of Plataran Ubud, Bali, Monday, August 10. They urged one of the most famous hotel business groups in Indonesia to commit to using eggs from chickens that are raised without cage or cage-free systems.
During the action, a number of campaign motorbikes toured around the hotel area while carrying messages calling for the cessation of the use of eggs from chickens kept in cages. Activists also distributed leaflets to road users and the surrounding community containing information on animal welfare issues in the intensive egg production system.
The action was part of a campaign that has been going on for about a month in Bali. Activists use motorbikes to directly visit hotels, businesses, and consumers to voice the importance of using cage-free eggs.
The campaign highlights Plataran's commitment to the concept of sustainable and responsible tourism. Plataran has long been known for its portfolio of hotels, resorts, restaurants, event locations, and various hospitality businesses in Indonesia and Japan with a strong image on natural aspects, conservation, Indonesian cultural heritage, and responsible tourism.
According to activists, the principle of sustainability should not only include the environment, but also animal welfare. They assessed that hospitality business groups with strong environmental identities such as Plataran have the opportunity to provide a wider influence on the food supply chain in Indonesia through a commitment to the use of cage-free eggs.
"If Plataran has the philosophy of Indonesian hospitality with purpose, we hope that this goal also includes the welfare of animals behind the food served," said Campaign Lead Act for Farmed Animals, Elfha Shavira.
According to him, this issue is one measure of how far the concept of sustainable luxury is applied in practice, including to farms that supply the kitchen needs of hotels and restaurants.
The egg industry in Indonesia to date is still dominated by the use of battery systems or battery cages. In this system, laying hens are placed in cages throughout their production cycle which can last around 63 weeks. The limited space makes the chickens unable to freely perform their natural behaviors, such as flapping their wings, laying eggs in the appropriate place, dust bathing, perching, and interacting with other chickens.
A 2019 report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also said that conventional cage systems have a higher prevalence of Salmonella than cage-free systems.
Meanwhile, a study by Gadjah Mada University found Salmonella resistant to antibiotics in eggs sold in supermarkets and came from a small-scale cage-based farming system. The findings show the importance of responsible use of antibiotics and the implementation of strong food safety regulations in the egg industry.
"We have been contacting Plataran since 2024. Therefore, we hope that the meeting with Plataran stakeholders at their headquarters, coupled with various campaign efforts in Jakarta, can produce a positive decision," said Elfha.
However, until now, according to him, there has been no development regarding Plataran's policy to use cage-free eggs.
Research from the Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, shows that when animal welfare is a concern, the public is driven to improve animal health and welfare. The study also found that the system of maintenance is the second most influential factor after price in determining consumer choice of eggs.
As a group of businesses operating in Indonesia and Japan and serving the international market, Elfha assessed that Plataran needed to take a stance on the issue of animal welfare.
"The transition to a cage-free system in the global market is inevitable. Currently, 110 companies in Indonesia have expressed this commitment," he said.
According to Elfha, Plataran's image as a company that upholds the principles of environmental friendliness and sustainability should also include aspects of animal welfare and public health.
"It's time for Plataran to align its actions with these values through a commitment to cage-free eggs," he said.
Through this peaceful action, activists and consumers hope that Plataran will immediately take concrete steps to improve animal welfare while implementing more ethical, responsible, and sustainable business practices.
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