Buffalo and Beef Prices Soar in Aceh Ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H

Prices of meat in Aceh province have skyrocketed ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H. This was observed during mameugang day, the traditional day of eating vegetables or meat dishes, two days before Eid arrives.

According to Media Indonesia, on Thursday and Friday (19-20/3) in Pidie district, for example, buffalo meat prices reached Rp180,000/kg. This is higher than the usual Rp160,000/kg.

Beef prices have also soared, from the usual Rp150,000/kg to Rp170,000/kg this Eid. Meanwhile, supplies are sufficient, even remaining available after midday prayer time.

These prices were observed at the mameugang meat market in Sigli, the capital of Pidie district. The same applies to several sub-district meat markets such as Garot market, Caleue (Indrajaya sub-district), and the mameugang meat market in Gampong Aree, Delima sub-district.

High meat prices also occurred in Banda Aceh city, where the cattle population is larger compared to buffalo. At the Aceh Central market in Banda Aceh city, for instance, beef prices ranged from Rp160,000 to Rp170,000/kg (depending on meat quality).

These prices are more expensive than before mameugang day, which ranged from Rp150,000 to Rp160,000/kg. “I bought it for Rp170,000 per kilo of the best quality beef. For standard quality, it’s Rp160,000 per kilo,” said Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at USK, Sugianto, to Media Indonesia.

Media Indonesia notes that in the capital of Indonesia’s westernmost province, residents predominantly buy beef. Therefore, various types of cattle are available at the local mameugang meat markets. For example, from local Aceh cattle, Bali cattle, Brahma cattle, and various other types.

Mameugang, or megang, is a hereditary religious tradition where grown children who have succeeded buy mameugang meat for their mother and father.

Every two days before mameugang day, buffalo and beef prices in Aceh surge, making it difficult for poor communities to afford.