Indonesia turns coconut waste into poultry feed

A project in Indonesia’s Aceh Province has enabled local poultry farmers to reduce feed costs by up to 60% by converting coconut waste into a valuable feed ingredient. The initiative was launched by state-owned company Semen Indonesia through its subsidiary Solusi Bangun Andalas under the Sakeladera (“Coconut Waste for Prosperous Villages”) program.

The project processes around 60 tonnes of coconut waste collected each month from Lampuuk Beach into coco peat, which is used as a component in poultry feed. The initiative not only creates value from agricultural waste but also reduces local farmers’ dependence on feed supplies from other regions.

Previously, most coconut waste was left to decompose naturally or was openly burned, generating an estimated 34.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each month. The new processing system has reduced the volume of unmanaged waste to 20-24 tonnes per month while significantly lowering its environmental impact.

The project has also delivered substantial economic benefits. Average monthly feed expenses for local poultry producers have fallen by approximately US$1,600, improving farm profitability amid high feed ingredient prices.

According to the project organizers, the initiative combines environmental and economic advantages by promoting waste recycling, creating new jobs in rural communities, and strengthening the resilience of local poultry farms. The successful experience in Aceh could serve as a model for other coconut-producing regions across Indonesia.