Indonesia Presses Businesses to Import One Million Dairy Cows

Indonesia, under President Prabowo Subianto, has launched an ambitious plan to boost milk production by importing one million dairy cows over five years to support a free meals program for 83 million children and expectant mothers. The government aims to quadruple the national dairy herd from 220,000, pressing private companies to fund these imports due to limited fiscal space, a strategy that has raised concerns within the business community. Progress has been slow, with only about 11,375 cows imported by July against a target of 200,000 for the year, casting doubt on the program's expanded rollout. Many businesses, some lacking dairy experience, feel pressured to participate, fearing repercussions such as delays in their core business import licenses. The policy seeks to reduce Indonesia's heavy reliance on imported milk powder by increasing local milk and meat production through live cattle imports managed by cooperatives like Laras Ati. Experts question the plan’s feasibility given the slow pace and complexities involved in managing such a large-scale cattle import initiative.