Indonesia Plans Meat Imports Ahead of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr

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Kamis, 6 Februari 2025 - 17:00 WIB

Jakarta, VIVA – Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, announced that the government plans to import beef ahead of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid-al Fitr. The import process will primarily be handled by state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Sudaryono emphasized the crucial role of SOEs as instruments of the state, which can be directed to support national interests.

“As entities owned by the state, SOEs are easier to align with government policies in maintaining price stability, securing supply, or implementing other strategic import-related decisions,” he explained.

“We have stock—if I’m not mistaken, about 18,000 tons—but it’s still not enough. That’s why we have decided to proceed with imports immediately. Most of the imports will be handled by SOEs. Why SOEs? Because they serve as a tool for state control—we can push them, direct them, and pressure them in the interest of the people,” Sudaryono said on Thursday (Feb 6).

He further explained that the surge in demand during Ramadan is the primary reason behind the government’s decision to import meat.

Sudaryono also urged the public not to panic, assuring that the government is working hard to maintain meat supply availability.

“We're doing everything according to market needs, and we should remain optimistic that the meat supply will be sufficient before Ramadan. We can source it from Brazil, Australia, or any other approved supplier,” he stated.

Additionally, Sudaryono highlighted the importance of nutritional fulfillment, particularly through beef consumption—not just during Ramadan but also in everyday life—to help reduce stunting rates in Indonesia.

“We want to ensure that protein is available at affordable prices for our people because tackling stunting requires better nutrition. People need to increase their protein intake,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Head of the National Food Agency, Arief Prasetyo Adi, guaranteed that meat availability will be sufficient in the coming months. He estimated that meat stocks would reach 120,000 tons by Eid al-Fitr.

“We will prepare 120,000 tons of stock until Lebaran. We will manage the distribution, so there’s no need to worry. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture is a close friend of mine, so everything will run smoothly,” Adi remarked.