From Chili Fields to Billion Rupiah Barns: The Inspiring Journey of Jack CMF and His Elite Contest Goats

By: Lensa Arcomedia Editorial Team

In a quiet corner of Selokajang Village, Srengat District, Blitar, a unique name resonates throughout the world of Peranakan Etawa (PE) Kaligesing goat breeding: Cabe Merah Farm (CMF). To the uninitiated, the name might sound more suitable for a horticultural plantation. However, for Jazaul Khair—affectionately known as Jack—that name serves as a monument commemorating the lowest point of his life before he ascended to become the "king" of contest-grade goats.

"Cabe Merah (Red Chili) is for pengeling-eling (a reminder). Back then, my wedding expenses and the initial capital for this farm came from the harvest of red chilies," Jack reminisces. From the remnants of sweat in the fields, he now manages hundreds of goats with fantastic transaction values: reaching hundreds of millions of rupiah per head. His journey is a testament to how traditional livestock farming, when combined with artistic precision and modern business logic, can transform into a high-value luxury industry.

Failing the Police Selection, Winning in the Pen

Jack’s story is the antithesis of the "polished boots" dream commonly coveted by village youths. After graduating from Aliyah school, he attempted to enlist in the police force to honor his parents' wishes. However, fate had other plans; he failed the physical selection. He didn't dwell on the disappointment for long. Instead, he returned to his roots: the fields and the sickle. He leased land to plant red chilies, and it was from those profits that he began to eye the potential of PE Kaligesing goats—creatures whose stature is far more majestic than the common local goats.

Lensa Arcomedia Response: This is where we see the embodiment of Arcomedia's vision in action. Jack is a pioneer who dared to see opportunity amidst uncertainty. When the door to public service closed, he didn't lose his way. He used his entrepreneurial "lens" to see that the land and livestock behind his house were assets far more valuable if managed with artistic flair and professionalism. Failure was not a dead end, but a navigation towards a much larger opportunity.

The Art of Raising a 'Gaco': Between Discipline and Intuition

Raising a contest goat is not merely about providing fodder. It is about aesthetics and high-level discipline. Jack explains that the key to success in goat contests lies in obsessive daily maintenance. If a competitor bottle-feeds their cempe (kids) 12 times a day, Jack must have the grit to do it 14 times. This level of dedication ensures that the goat develops the perfect posture, hair texture, and ear length required for the "art" category of livestock judging.

Milk is the most crucial factor. At CMF, the goat milk produced is not sold for human consumption; instead, it is funneled back to the kids as a growth supplement. A single high-potential contest kid can consume 4 to 5 liters of milk per day—equivalent to the daily consumption needs of 11 adults. It is a high-cost investment for a high-value return.

Pedigree of Champions and "Irrational" Economic Value

Achievement in the world of artistic goats is not just about displaying trophies. Achievement is a brand image. In 2023, a record was set when an 8-month-old male from his farm was sold for IDR 150 million to a buyer from NTB Lombok. Jack even turned down an offer of IDR 500 million (approx. $32,000 USD) for one of his prime bucks, fueled by his ambition to win the President’s Cup.

"Our line of champions is consistent—from the sire to the offspring, the grand-offspring, and down the lineage. Like the legend 'Barongan' who lived until age 12, that is a rare longevity record for a contest goat," Jack explains. This consistency in genetics ensures that CMF remains at the top of the pyramid in the national market.

Lensa Arcomedia Response: What Jack has achieved is a form of clever 'Business Scalability.' He is not selling meat (a commodity); he is selling value, prestige, and genetics. Arcomedia views this as a step-by-step guide for entrepreneurs: Start with what you have in hand (chili peppers), focus on quality (artistic breeding), and let the achievements dictate the price. Jack proves that the market will never hesitate to pay a premium for verified quality.

Family-Style Management: 'No Employees, Only Sons'

Despite his business being worth billions, Jack remains grounded. He manages 12 people who live and work at his farm without the typical barriers of boss and subordinate. "They all sleep here, they eat here. They are my children," he says. Beyond livestock, Jack has expanded into the construction of specialized teak and acacia wood cages. For contest goats, a clean and aesthetic habitat is the key to maintaining the luster of their coat.

Facing the Critics

Being a pioneer naturally invites skepticism. Many neighbors mocked his prices as "insane" or suggested he buy cows instead. However, Jack holds a firm principle: "If we listen to the negative voices, we will never move forward. If you want to fall, take the risk; if you want to succeed, enjoy the reward." Social media, particularly YouTube, has become Jack's "telescope" to reach the national market without ever leaving his village.

A Business Telescope from the Goat Pen

The construction specifications at Cabe Merah Farm (CMF) are not just for shelter; they are investment instruments. Jack utilizes the "Kandang Bakoh" (Sturdy Cage) standard, combining the durability of teak with goat health ergonomics. Below are the technical details of CMF's teak construction:

1. Primary Material: Teak & Acacia

Jack is highly selective with wood. Why Teak?

Water Resistance: Contest goats must be bathed regularly (guyang). Teak contains natural oils that prevent rot despite daily exposure to water and urine.
Hygiene & Aesthetics: Teak does not leak red/yellow dyes when wet (unlike mahogany). This keeps the white coat of the PE goats pristine.
Durability: These structures are projected to last 15–20 years.

2. Floor Structure (Lanyer)

The most critical part for hoof health and coat cleanliness.

Gap Precision: Floor slats are spaced at 1.5–2 cm. This allows droppings (srintil) to fall through while preventing the goat's feet from getting stuck.
Smooth Finishing: Surfaces are planed incredibly smooth to avoid injuring the udders or damaging the thick leg hair—a key judging point.

3. Elevated System (Stilt House)

CMF uses a high-stilt system (50–80 cm from the ground).

Air Circulation: Provides space for air to dissipate ammonia odors from the waste below.
Sloped Sub-floor: The concrete floor beneath the cage is sloped toward a drainage system for easy cleaning every morning.

Lensa Arcomedia Analysis: Why Expensive Infrastructure is Logical

Through a business lens, Jack CMF is performing Risk Mitigation.

Cost vs Benefit: Building a teak cage might cost IDR 2–3 million per meter (much higher than bamboo).
The Logic: If a cheap cage results in a goat worth IDR 150 million getting fungal infections or matted hair due to dampness, the material loss far outweighs the savings.