Prabowo's Sacrificial Cows Funded by State Budget, Palace: Government Aid

Deputy Minister of the State Secretariat Juri Ardiantoro stated that the cattle distributed by President Prabowo Subianto for Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah form part of the presidential social assistance (banpres) programme, which has been conducted annually. His comments respond to public concerns over the use of Rp100 billion in state funds to procure 1,098 cows for the festival. Juri explained the cattle are provided to enable communities, particularly those in need, to celebrate Eid al-Adha through sacrificial rituals.

‘The president’s sacrificial cattle constitute government aid to the public, intended to allow needy citizens to observe Eid al-Adha by sharing in the ritual slaughter,’ Juri said in Jakarta on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, according to a written statement.

He noted that this year, 1,098 cows were distributed nationwide. Juri affirmed that using the banpres budget for such assistance is standard practice, consistent with previous administrations. He insisted the initiative is not for the president’s personal benefit but fully directed at communities across regions, with the government seeking to visibly demonstrate state presence during socially significant religious events like Eid al-Adha.

Juri added that Prabowo personally performs his own sacrificial ritual using private funds, with his personal cattle already slaughtered and distributed.

This year’s distribution comprises two schemes: 598 cows allocated to provincial and regency/city governments across 38 provinces and 514 districts. Some areas received two cows due to weight standards (800-1,300kg) set by the palace, as not all regions could meet the requirement. Additionally, 500 cows were given to educational institutions, community leaders, and religious figures.

The Rp100 billion expenditure for the Eid al-Adha cattle comes from the presidential social assistance budget line within the state budget (APBN).