MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, TIMOR TENGAH SELATAN – The Muhammadiyah Council for Community Empowerment (MPM) attempts to improve food security and the quality of life in remote areas of Indonesia by launching the “Kandang Inspirasi Mnelabesa” poultry project in Tliu Village, Amanuban Timur District, East Nusa Tenggara.
The project, which features a specially designed chicken coop, is a practical demonstration of community empowerment, combining poultry farming with horticulture. The coop, housing approximately 50 hens, has already produced dozens of eggs within a week of its establishment.
“Kandang Inspirasi Mnelabesa (the Mnelabesa Inspiration Coop) aims to optimize local potential through efficient and productive approaches, while also improving the nutritional quality of the community by meeting their protein needs, especially for children and mothers,” said M. Nurul Yamin, the Chairperson of the MPM on Saturday, December 7.
Yamin emphasized that the project was carefully designed to suit the local conditions and resources of Tliu Village.
“We have adapted the poultry farming system to the local context, ensuring cost-efficiency and productivity. We also aim to improve the community’s quality of life by promoting clean and healthy living, one way of which is to reduce stunting rates, a pressing issue in this village,” he explained.
The project has also involved training local community members to manage the coop. “This coop is not only for producing eggs but also for serving as a learning center and inspiration for other villagers,” added Yamin.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Farmer Association (JATAM) Hadi Sutrisno explained the choice of Kedu chickens for the project.
“Kedu chickens adapt quickly and thrive in various conditions. Within two days, Kedu chickens can adjust to new environments. Moreover, they have a high egg production potential, laying up to 50 eggs in one laying cycle, twice as much as ordinary chickens,” he said.
Sutrisno further explained that with special management practices, such as clustering coops to maintain bloodlines and providing specialized feed, the Mnelabesa coop now houses 48 Kedu chickens, producing an average of 39 eggs per day.
“These eggs will be distributed to meet the nutritional needs of children in the village and other communities in need,” said Hadi.
The event also included the distribution of plant seedlings and other equipment to support the poultry farming project. A total of 1,555 seedlings of various fruit trees and bamboo were distributed, aiming to provide long-term food sources and protect the local water supply.
The Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Branch of Amanuban Timur Abdul Qodir Lenamah expressed his gratitude to Muhammadiyah for its support.
“The presence of MPM has brought about many positive changes, motivating us to progress. We still need Muhammadiyah to continue supporting us in the future,” said Qodir.
This food security program aims not only to improve economic well-being but also to support public health programs. By increasing access to nutritious food, such as eggs, it is hoped that the prevalence of stunting in Tliu Village can be reduced.
