Deputy Agriculture Minister: Beef Stock Secure for Eid al-Adha

Wonosobo (ANTARA) - Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono has assured that the national availability of beef ahead of Eid al-Adha 2026 is in a safe condition, as the government has calculated needs through the commodity balance mechanism, ensuring that import policies remain controlled and do not disadvantage local farmers.

“I think we have no problems. We have already calculated through the commodity balance, including the need for imports of fresh meat, feeder cattle, and the domestic cattle population,” he said while attending the national cattle contest in Wonosobo, Central Java, on Saturday.

He stated that the government will not carry out excessive imports. All policies are based on thorough calculations to maintain a balance between supply and protection for farmers.

“It is impossible to import meat recklessly. Everything is controlled so as not to harm local farmers,” he said.

He assured that beef prices will remain controlled in line with the highest retail price (HET). He acknowledged that there had been a price increase, but the government immediately conducted tracing from upstream to downstream.

“We check from feedlots, slaughtering, to traders. If there is an increase, it must be addressed immediately. The President emphasises that staple needs must comply with the set prices,” he said.

At the regional level, Central Java has recorded significant livestock population growth, with the current number of livestock reaching around 6.3 million heads, including about 1.2 million cattle. This number is still surpassed by goats at 3 million heads, as well as sheep and buffalo.

This healing programme involves veterinarians providing vaccinations, checks for contagious diseases, and doorstep services to farmer groups and businesses at no cost.

According to him, the programme is expected to break the chain of disease transmission while ensuring that livestock are in healthy condition ahead of Eid al-Adha.