The regional food company Perumda Dharma Jaya is preparing to import 7,500 live cattle from Australia in 2026 to strengthen beef supplies for Jakarta, especially ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The plan is still waiting for approval from the Ministry of Trade, which must issue a new import permit every year. Managing Director Raditya Endra Budiman said the recommendation has been discussed in a limited coordination meeting and the administrative process is now underway. In editorial terms, the city is betting that paperwork will move faster than inflation.
Budiman explained that once the permit is issued, purchases can begin in February, with cattle expected to arrive within two to three weeks after each transaction. He said imports will be carried out in stages because the current holding facility in Serang can only accommodate around 1,300 animals at a time. For the first phase, only about 750 cattle are expected to arrive. The company is also seeking new land to add another 1,000-head capacity because the existing site cannot be expanded due to its designation as an agrotourism area.
According to Budiman, procurement will be scheduled every three months, reflecting how quickly existing stocks are absorbed by the market. He noted that almost all previous cattle have been sold, leaving only around 400 animals that have already been booked for the fasting month. Supplies are distributed not only to Jakarta but also to Bogor, Serang, and several parts of West Java. The reliance on imported cattle is driven by traders who prefer their genetics and quality over local breeds.
The policy underscores a familiar dilemma in Indonesia’s food security debate: stabilising prices often means turning outward rather than strengthening domestic herds. Dharma Jaya is promising safe, affordable, and sustainable beef through phased imports and new infrastructure, but the strategy still hinges on foreign supply chains and government permits. As Ramadan approaches, the real test will be whether these Australian cattle arrive on time or whether Jakarta’s kitchens are left waiting once again.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
