Bappenas Pushes for Acceleration of Dairy Downstreaming in Boyolali
The Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Rachmat Pambudy, urged the acceleration of downstreaming in the livestock sector, particularly cow’s milk, during a visit to Boyolali Regency, Central Java, on Wednesday, 29 April 2026. This effort is deemed essential to bolster the utilisation of local products while supporting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.
During the visit, Rachmat inspected the Cepogo KUD in Sukabumi Village, Cepogo Subdistrict, to assess milk storage capacity and held discussions with local farmers. He also met with representatives from village unit cooperatives (KUD) and local milk processing businesses.
Rachmat stated that his visit aimed to ensure that regional government programmes align with national planning, particularly in the food, energy, and water sectors. “I am accompanying the Regent to ensure the programmes are running. The programmes are good, from livestock farming to supporting self-sufficiency,” he said during the visit.
Several issues emerged during the visit, including the need for superior cattle breeds, feed availability, and strengthening of infrastructure. The regional government proposed assistance with Friesian Holstein (FH) cattle to boost milk productivity, along with plans to build a feed factory to lower production costs.
Furthermore, downstreaming is expected to support the absorption of local milk by Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) under the MBG programme. To date, the uptake of local milk has been suboptimal despite substantial production.
Boyolali’s Regional Secretary, M. Syawalludin, explained that the central government is focusing on strengthening the livestock production chain from upstream to downstream. According to him, downstreaming is key to ensuring optimal absorption of milk and beef production. “He is examining how livestock cultivation to milk processing can be integrated,” said Syawalludin.
The government hopes that through this push for downstreaming, Boyolali can be incorporated into national development planning and serve as an example of strengthening locally based dairy industry.
SPPG entrepreneur from Wong Solo Group, Puspo Wardoyo, stated that his company is ready to absorb local milk but is hindered by limited processing technology. “We want to fill the gap in downstreaming. There is milk production, but processing is not yet adequate,” he said.
According to Puspo, around 80 percent of national milk needs are still met by imports. He urged regions like Boyolali to build a complete dairy industry ecosystem, from feed and breeds to processing products such as fresh milk, yoghurt, and fermented drinks.
Meanwhile, local entrepreneur from PT Susu Boyolali Andalan, Edwin Yudianto, noted that milk production in Boyolali reaches around 100 tonnes per day. Of this amount, about 20 percent is considered sufficient to meet the MBG programme needs in the area. “We will collaborate to increase production and processing capacity,” he said.
He added that the current processing capacity at his company ranges from 1,000 to 1,200 litres per day and already supplies several SPPGs. With technological support and partnerships, this capacity is targeted to increase.