Jakarta Provincial Government Imports Cattle from Australia, Initial Shipment of 3,100 Head

The Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov DKI Jakarta) has imported 3,100 head of cattle from Australia to safeguard supply and suppress food inflation during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The import marks a resumption of direct cattle purchases from Australia after a 28-year hiatus.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said the figure represents the initial phase of a total import quota of 7,500 head of cattle. He stated the measure was taken to ensure beef prices remain stable in the market.

“Today, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, through Dharma Jaya, has officially imported cattle from Australia, with approximately 3,100 of the planned 7,500 head having arrived as of today,” Pramono said at Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, on Monday (23/2/2026).

Pramono described the direct cattle import from Australia as a significant milestone, given it was last carried out 28 years ago. According to him, trust from the Australian government was key to the policy’s realisation.

“Why is this being done now after 28 years? Because previously we may not have been trusted, but now we have earned the trust to import cattle directly from Australia,” he said.

Pramono expressed confidence that the additional cattle supply would keep beef prices under control, particularly ahead of Ramadan, which typically triggers spikes in staple food prices.

“With the arrival of these Australian cattle, I am confident that beef demand, especially in Jakarta, can truly be managed to prevent price increases, as we have always endeavoured to prevent inflation,” he said.

Beyond beef, Pramono said his administration is also paying close attention to other commodities, namely chilli and rice.

“The main inflation factors in Jakarta ahead of Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan are typically beef, chilli, and rice. Hopefully, these three key commodities will not experience significant price increases,” he explained.

Pramono also left open the possibility of additional imports should beef demand remain high. He said the provincial government could place repeat orders if necessary.

Meanwhile, the President Director of Perumda Dharma Jaya reported that current beef stocks stand at 1,000 tonnes. In addition, approximately 1,500 head of cattle are being kept in pens in preparation for Ramadan demand.

Looking ahead, the provincial government also plans to prepare land for grass cultivation and cattle fattening in Ciangir as a medium-term strategy. Through this initiative, Jakarta’s beef requirements are expected to be managed more independently by Dharma Jaya.

“If it can be done, I am confident that Jakarta’s needs can be managed directly by Dharma Jaya, as the infrastructure is already in place,” he said.