Bali is seeking assistance from the central government to secure a sufficient supply of vaccine against African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious and often fatal disease impacting pig populations. The request comes as the island province reports a growing pig population – reaching approximately 1.2 million in 2025 – and faces ongoing, though currently contained, threats from various swine diseases. The need for a dedicated ASF vaccine program underscores the economic importance of pig farming in Bali and the potential for significant losses if the virus were to spread unchecked. This situation highlights the challenges facing Indonesian livestock producers as they navigate disease control and maintain food security.
Currently, Bali has not received any doses of the ASF vaccine, according to I Wayan Sunada, Head of the Agriculture and Food Security Office of Bali Province. “There hasn’t been any delivered to Bali, we have never received assistance with ASF vaccination for pigs,” Sunada stated on Thursday, February 19, 2026. “What we have received so far is the PMK vaccine for cattle, and that is ongoing.” The province *has* received vaccines for Foot and Mouth Disease (PMK) in cattle, with an initial shipment of 400 doses followed by an additional 6,000. This disparity in vaccine access has prompted local representatives to advocate for Bali’s pig farmers.
Rising Pig Population, Ongoing Disease Concerns
With Bali’s pig population now estimated at 1.2 million, officials estimate that approximately 1 million doses of the ASF vaccine would be needed to provide optimal protection. The urgency is underscored by recent, localized disease outbreaks. In Buleleng Regency, 30 pigs were found to be suffering from diarrhea, attributed to the consumption of improperly processed raw feed. Cases of hog cholera were similarly reported in Gianyar Regency. While these outbreaks were contained through intervention, they serve as a reminder of the vulnerability of Bali’s pig farming industry.
The situation is particularly concerning given the devastating impact ASF can have on pig populations. Research indicates that ASF can cause morbidity and fatality rates of up to 100% in both wild boar and domestic pigs. The virus first emerged in Africa in 1921 and spread to parts of Europe by 1957, and reached Indonesia in 2019, impacting several provinces including Bali and Eastern Nusa Tenggara.
Beyond ASF: Other Livestock Health Initiatives
While ASF remains a key concern, Bali is also actively addressing other livestock diseases. The province has successfully managed outbreaks of PMK, with cases initially reported in Jembrana and Buleleng Regencies. In Jembrana, cases increased from five to 31 but were controlled through vaccination and conditional culling. Similarly, cases in Buleleng were limited to two and successfully treated. Bali has also received 400 initial doses, followed by 6,000, of vaccine for Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a disease affecting cattle.
Efforts to protect animal health extend to rabies control. As of 2026, there have been no reported human fatalities from dog bites in Bali. In 2025, rabies vaccination coverage reached 85.51% of the estimated 600,000 dog population. The provincial government is currently piloting a rabies vaccination program in Bangli Regency, in collaboration with Sanbi Farma, to assess the durability of the vaccine’s effectiveness.
Industry Advocates Push for Support
The concerns of Bali’s pig farmers were directly voiced to the national government earlier this month. Agung Bagus Pratiksa Linggih, Chairman of the Bali branch of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI), raised the issue with the Minister of Agriculture during a HIPMI event in Makassar on February 15, 2026. Linggih emphasized the lack of vaccine assistance for pig farmers, contrasting it with the support provided for cattle farmers. He also called for a halt to pig imports, citing declining prices and the economic strain on local producers.
Linggih argued that Bali’s pig farmers sense “somewhat neglected,” particularly in light of the challenges posed by disease and competition from outside the region. He specifically requested that the government prioritize ASF vaccination for Bali’s pig population.
Looking Ahead
The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture has reportedly approved Bali’s request for ASF vaccine assistance, but the quantity of doses remains uncertain. Officials are awaiting confirmation from the central government regarding the allocation. Continued monitoring of disease outbreaks and proactive vaccination efforts will be crucial to safeguarding Bali’s pig farming industry and ensuring a stable food supply. The province will continue to monitor the efficacy of its rabies vaccination program in Bangli Regency, with plans to expand the program if initial results are promising.
This represents a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
