Sacrificial Cattle Sales Drop 51% as Traders Cite Economic Strain

JAKARTA - Haikal F. Marham (25), a sacrificial animal vendor in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, reported a decline in cattle sales this year.

Haikal said his stall had sold 67 cattle up to 12 Dhu al-Hijjah.

“Last year was much busier. Last year, we sold around 130 cattle,” Haikal said during an interview at his stall on Friday (29 May 2026).

He noted that demand for sacrificial cattle this year was quieter compared to last year.

In 2025, his stall was already busy two weeks before Eid al-Adha.

“This year, the rush only begins four or three days before Eid, and even then, it’s still fairly quiet—not very busy at all,” Haikal added.

Cattle sales have fallen, but goat sales remain steady at around 150 animals.

The stall continues to attract goat buyers due to a loyal customer base.

“Except for goats, we have many regular customers,” he said.

Haikal attributed the decline in cattle sales to people prioritising essential expenses.

He noted that the sales decline is widespread among sacrificial animal vendors across Jakarta.

“Even by the end of the period, it’s consistent across the board. Midway through, friends from Tangerang, Bekasi, and Depok were asking about the trends, how sales were going,” Haikal said.

“I told them it’s like this—likely due to economic strain. It’s affecting vendors too,” he added.