War Between Iran and Israel–the US, Dharma Jaya Anticipates Soaring Imported Meat Prices

Beef imports may be hit as the conflict between Iran and Israel and the United States escalates. Raditya Endra Budiman, the president director of Dharma Jaya Regional Public Company (Perumda Dharma Jaya), said Jakarta’s beef needs still rely heavily on imports since Jakarta is not a producer but a consumer. ‘For cattle, particularly beef, about 95 percent of Indonesia’s needs, not Jakarta’s, is met by imports. There are live cattle from Australia, beef from Australia, beef from Brazil, cattle, and buffalo meat from India,’ Raditya told reporters in Jakarta on Thursday (5 March 2026).

Therefore, the current geopolitical turmoil will influence beef supply to Jakarta since import transactions are conducted in US dollars. ‘So if geopolitics is unstable and the US dollar strengthens, prices will certainly be affected,’ he said. He cited the conflict resulting in the Strait of Hormuz being closed, a route used by vessels delivering oil worldwide. ‘Oil prices have risen by around one dollar today,’ he added.

As a precaution to face potential increases in imported beef prices, the Jakarta-owned BUMD is now forging partnerships with local cattle producers. This is to ensure stock should prices be too high. ‘So as a precaution, we are also collaborating with several local cattle farms in Java and Lampung to ensure stock if prices become too high. Hopefully local beef won’t follow the price rise. So it could be an option for people in Jakarta.’