Why Indonesia Still Depends on Imported Milk and Local Production Remains Low

Indonesia remains the country with the lowest milk consumption in ASEAN, at 17.76 litres per capita per year. This figure aligns with persistently low domestic milk production, resulting in 75% to 80% of the nation’s milk needs still being met by imports. Commodity Expert at CNBC Indonesia Research, Emanuella Bungasmara Ega Tirta, stated that Indonesia’s low milk consumption cannot be separated from cultural factors that do not make milk a part of daily food and drink intake, which in turn impacts the lack of effort to boost national milk production. On the other hand, the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme is expected to become a pillar for increasing domestic milk consumption, especially for children who are beneficiaries of MBG.