Presidential Palace and MUI Address Prabowo's 1,098 State-Funded Sacrificial Cows

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — A total of 1,098 sacrificial cows from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto were purchased using state funds. The cattle, sourced from local farmers, were distributed across all cities and regencies in Indonesia during the 1447 Hijriah Idul Adha celebrations. The total budget allocated for purchasing the 1,098 cows was approximately Rp 100 billion.

The Presidential Palace, Gerindra Party, and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) have commented on President Prabowo’s use of state funds for the sacrificial cows. Juri stressed that presidential assistance (Banpres) has been ongoing for years. Juri stated that the sacrificial cows are government aid to the public, enabling everyone to celebrate Idul Adha and enjoy sacrificial meat. “The purpose of the President’s sacrificial cows is government aid to the public, ensuring those in need can celebrate Idul Adha by slaughtering sacrificial animals together,” Juri said in a statement on Wednesday (27 May 2026). He also emphasised that the sacrificial cow aid was not for Prabowo’s personal benefit but fully distributed to communities across regions. Juri claimed the government aims to make the state’s presence felt by citizens, especially during religious occasions with high social value like Idul Adha. Juri added that personally, Prabowo still performs his own sacrificial ritual using personal funds. Prabowo’s personal sacrificial animals are also slaughtered and distributed to the public.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa admitted he was unaware of the budget for President Prabowo Subianto’s sacrificial cows. This was stated after Purbaya performed the Idul Adha prayer at Salahuddin Mosque, located at the Directorate General of Taxation headquarters in Jakarta.