Indonesia sets 2 million cattle target to boost meat, milk production

Deputy for Food and Agriculture Business at the ministry Widiastuti said at the International Strategic Meeting on Scientific Pathways for Sustainable Livestock Industry Transformation on Friday that the move is key to supporting food self-sufficiency.

She said several livestock commodities have achieved self-sufficiency, including chicken meat and eggs, with broiler production projected to reach 5.4 million tons and egg production 7.3 million tons by 2029.

However, she noted that beef and milk production still face challenges due to limited livestock populations, prompting the government to target an additional 2 million breeding cattle.

Widiastuti said demand is expected to rise further under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which will increase consumption of livestock products.

The government aims to meet demand through domestic production to reduce reliance on imports, she added.

To strengthen the local economy, the ministry is encouraging the role of Red and White Village Cooperatives as key players in the distribution and processing of livestock products.

She said the cooperatives are expected to serve as platforms for small-scale farmers to expand and integrate into the MBG program supply chain.

According to her, cooperatives can function as distribution and processing hubs while also opening opportunities for youth participation in developing a people-based economy.

“This reflects food sovereignty, where people produce, manage, and benefit from improved nutrition,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture has prepared 1.5 million hectares of land for investment in dairy and beef cattle development.

The ministry has also proposed 21 locations as National Strategic Projects to support investment in the sector.

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Translator: Ahmad, Kenzu