Jakarta Government Confirms Dogs and Cats Are Not Food Commodities

The Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta has confirmed that dogs and cats are not food commodities, meaning the slaughter and sale of meat from these animals for consumption is prohibited. “This is the first Gubernatorial Regulation issued in Indonesia that prohibits the public from slaughtering dogs and cats as animals for consumption. Because they are not categorised as food animals, they are not permitted to be sold freely,” said Hasudungan A. Sidabalok, Head of the DKI Jakarta Food Security, Marine Affairs and Agriculture (KPKP) Agency, during a Regional Coordination Meeting at the Antasari Room of the South Jakarta Mayor’s Office on Thursday. Hasudungan stated that Jakarta has a regulation that strictly prohibits the slaughter and sale of dog and cat meat for consumption. The policy is stipulated through Gubernatorial Regulation No. 36 of 2025 concerning Rabies Control. He added that based on data collection, only one location in South Jakarta was previously found selling dog meat, and an approach has been made to stop the sale of the product. Hasudungan noted that the policy has received a positive response from the international community and led to the Governor of DKI Jakarta receiving an award in the field of animal welfare. “Let us collaborate together to create a healthy environment, healthy for the animals and their owners. Regarding information on KPKP programmes, residents can view it on available social media,” he said. Meanwhile, South Jakarta Mayor Syafrin Liputo requested all regional elements to help oversee the implementation of the regulation, even though indications of dog and cat meat sales in South Jakarta are relatively few compared to other areas. “So, we all must support the rules set by the Governor of DKI Jakarta. From the sub-district to the city level, we must synergise together,” he stated. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is also continuously coordinating with the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) and regional governments to conduct supervision and enforcement against the trade of dog and cat meat in accordance with applicable regulations.