House Commission IX Proposes National Ban on Cat and Dog Meat Trade

House Commission IX has again proposed a ban on the trade of cat and dog meat during a meeting with Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin on Tuesday (23/6).

Deputy Chairman of Commission IX, Charles Honoris, urged for the regulation to be enacted nationally, as currently only DKI Jakarta has implemented such a ban through a gubernatorial regulation. The proposal was primarily put forward to reduce the spread of rabies through animal bites.

“So, Mr. Minister, let us make Indonesia rabies-free, and I am confident it is very achievable. One of the ways, in my opinion, is to create a national-level regulation regarding the ban on the trade of dog and cat meat, Sir,” Charles stated.

The PDIP politician expressed his desire for Indonesia to emulate other countries that impose strict supervision on the spread of stray cats or dogs, so the public need not worry about their presence.

Charles noted that Indonesia is still recorded as a country with a high rabies rate, with the number of fatalities reaching more than 100 cases annually. In contrast, he said, Turkey records no more than five cases per year.

“Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the number of deaths due to rabies was more than 122 in 2024. I have not received the figures for 2025 yet, but it is likely still above 100,” Charles said. “So, I hope the Minister will engage the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Home Affairs so that more regions can follow the example of Istanbul in Turkey,” he added.

A bill proposing a ban on the dog and cat meat trade was previously introduced in 2024. However, the bill was subsequently removed from the national legislation programme at the House. To date, the bill is no longer included in the 2026 Priority National Legislation Programme nor the medium-term plan through to 2029.