Timika, Central Papua — The Mimika Regency Government, through the Livestock and Animal Health Service (Disnakeswan), held a training session on free-range chicken (local chicken) farming on Wednesday (14/8/2025) at the Grand Tembaga Hotel Ballroom, Timika. This activity is part of an agricultural extension program under the Sub-Activity of Developing Agricultural Institutional Capacity in Districts and Villages, funded by the 2025 Special Autonomy (Otsus) budget.
The training was opened by the Head of the Livestock and Animal Health Service, Drh. Sabelina Fitriani, and attended by 100 participants representing five districts in the city area. Similar training will also be held for districts in coastal areas. Each participant received starter assistance consisting of five free-range chicks and one sack of feed. A total of 3,000 free-range chickens will be distributed in stages.
“2,520 chickens will be allocated to Amar District and Central Mimika Barat District, while the remaining 480 chickens will be distributed to five districts in Timika City, namely East Mimika, Wania, Iwaka, Kuala Kencana, and Mimika Baru,” explained Drh. Sabelina. In addition to chickens and feed, beneficiaries will also receive materials for building coops, including four zinc sheets and about three kilograms of supporting materials.
She emphasized that the assistance is expected not only to support household economies but also to improve community nutrition through independent egg and meat production. “We hope that the initial five chickens can grow into a sustainable business,” she said. Disnakeswan will also conduct coaching and evaluation after distribution to ensure the program’s sustainability.
Sabelina added that the agency will identify potential farmers to become breeders of superior local chicken stock within the community. One of the participants, Pindana Waker, a farmer with two years of experience, expressed appreciation. “Thank you to the Government and the Livestock Service for this training, which has enriched our knowledge. We hope such assistance and guidance will continue,” he said.
This program serves as proof of the Mimika Regency Government’s commitment to empowering communities through the livestock sector, while also supporting food security and improving household welfare.
