Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Agriculture noted that food distribution must be improved and carried out equitably to boost people's intake of proteins, including chicken meat.

"There are several regions that are still quite difficult to reach with the food supply chains, especially for chicken meat," the ministry's Director of Veterinary Public Health, I Ketut Wirata, said in a discussion event in Jakarta on Thursday.

According to him, the per capita chicken meat consumption in Indonesia is still relatively low compared to other Southeast Asian countries.

"Data in 2022 shows that Malaysia is ranked first among Southeast Asian countries in chicken meat consumption, reaching 53.14 kilograms per capita," he said, adding that the per capita consumption is far above Indonesia's.

In addition to accessibility and distribution, he noted that the low chicken meat consumption in Indonesia is also caused by several other factors, such as the low purchasing power of the community and preference to consume other sources of animal proteins.

"In several regions, the residents prefer other protein sources such as fish, beef, or plant-based products," he pointed out.

Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that chicken meat consumption will increase since Indonesia has been able to maintain a surplus in production.

He explained that in 2024, the national chicken meat needs stood at 3.72 million tons, while the production reached 3.84 million tons. Thus, Indonesia had a surplus of 0.12 million tons.

"If possible, we should increase the surplus for domestic consumption," Wirata said.

Chicken meat is an excellent source of protein that helps build muscle tissue and maintain muscle mass with age.

It provides vitamin B12 and choline, which support brain development, strengthen the nervous system, and boost cognitive function.

The tryptophan content in chicken can help raise serotonin levels, a hormone linked to happiness and emotional stability.

The health benefits of chicken are diverse, including stronger bones and muscles due to its protein and mineral content, support for heart health and weight management through its lean protein, improved brain function from vitamin B and choline, better mood from tryptophan that promotes serotonin production, and a stronger immune system supported by vitamin B6, zinc, and iron.

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