Animal Agriculture: Ancient Necessity to Modern Controversy
Focused Group Discussion of local advocates facilitated by AAA Indonesia
While animal agriculture has long been a fundamental aspect of human societies, providing essential resources for centuries, contemporary practices are increasingly criticized for their significant ethical, environmental, and health impacts. This is in stark contrast to early human practices, where the necessity of survival dictated the use of animals, revealing a shift from necessity to convenience in the modern agricultural system.
In 2022, Indonesia raised a whopping 3.17 billion broiler chicken for meat, not even counting other animals used for meat and by-products. To put that in perspective, the country’s human population that year was about 275.7 million according to Badan Pusat Statistik.
Animal agriculture, a cornerstone of modern food systems, involves the breeding and raising animals for meat, dairy, and other products. While it has historically been integral to human societies, its contemporary practices are increasingly scrutinized for their wide-ranging impacts. From ethical concerns, environmental impacts, as well as health considerations.
EXPLORING ANIMAL AGRICULTURE IN INDONESIA: HISTORICAL ROOTS, ETHICAL CONCERNS AND CULTURAL CHALLENGES
The discussion on animal agriculture highlighted that, while contemporary practices are increasingly criticized for their negative health, environmental, and ethical impacts, cultural and religious values continue to influence these practices in Indonesia. The shift from early survival-based usage to modern convenience-driven methods underscores a complex interplay between tradition and evolving perspectives, suggesting the need for a balance between respecting cultural heritage and addressing pressing moral concerns.
This year’s Focused Group Discussion of local advocates facilitated by AAA Indonesia focuses on this very issue. The discussion took place in Plant Culture, Alam Sutera. A fully plant-based Indonesian-Asian fusion casual fine dining.
The first prompt for the participants was to talk about animal agriculture. It turns out most people had pretty similar views. We agreed that the industry has gone too far—it’s not just bad for our health, but it also harms the environment and raises serious ethical issues
“Knowing the impacts it has created, there’s no other reason behind this cruel practice other than greed and human ego” said Patricia, one of the participants. Culture and tradition also played a big part in how it influences our current views especially when it comes to food . Non-human animal flesh is still often seen as a superior consumption compared to plant derived diets.
After gaining independence in 1945, Indonesia faced significant challenges in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure. Agriculture, however, has always been a cornerstone of our economy. With the introduction of European agricultural techniques during Dutch colonialism, which were seen as modern and efficient, we adopted these methods to enhance our farming practices and continue to rely on them, becoming what we know and practiced in the present day.
One of our discussion prompts also delved into the role of religious values and traditions deeply rooted in Indonesian culture. Some participants felt that it’s a positive aspect, as our shared values often guide us to do good deeds and can be leveraged to encourage compassion towards non-human animals.
WAYS TO RAISE AWARENESS: IDEAS AND INSIGHTS
Addressing the ethical and environmental impacts of animal agriculture requires innovative strategies to develop awareness and foster change, whether through events, educational programs, or grassroots activism.
The final discussion prompt challenged us to brainstorm effective ways to raise awareness about animal agriculture and its impacts. Ideas ranged from integrating plant-based options into existing environmental awareness events to focusing on educating teachers and lecturers, despite the challenges posed by unsupportive systems. Another suggestion was to invest energy into nurturing new activists rather than concentrating solely on large-scale events. As Dian, one of our attendees put it, “Each of us is an activist, no matter what role you have. Let’s strive to be more connected and support this movement moving forward.” Ultimately, we all share the same goal.
Accepting that something once deemed normal is now recognized as an issue can be difficult. Practices related to animal exploitation that were once considered acceptable are now viewed as outdated and morally questionable. There is a growing desire for a future where all sentient beings are seen as individuals with intrinsic value, rather than mere commodities for human exploitation.
Co-writer: Pickle