Indonesia plans to import 1 million dairy cows between 2025 and 2028 to support President Prabowo Subianto’s free meals program, aiming to provide nutrition to 83 million citizens. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between domestic milk production and growing demand, with expected consumption reaching 8.5 million tonnes by 2029. The program includes local farmer training and partnerships to boost long-term dairy production in key agricultural regions.
The Indonesian government has announced plans to import 1 million dairy cows between 2025 and 2028 to meet rising demand for milk under President Prabowo Subianto’s new free meals initiative. Unveiled by the Agriculture Ministry at a recent parliamentary hearing, the program is expected to significantly boost milk production and nutritional support across Indonesia, benefiting over 83 million Indonesians—primarily children, low-income families, and vulnerable populations.
The free meals program was a central pledge of Prabowo’s election campaign, aiming to address food insecurity, improve dietary standards, and support health outcomes. The Ministry of Agriculture emphasized that with the nation’s milk demand projected to soar to 8.5 million tonnes by 2029, the gap between domestic production (currently at 1 million tonnes) and consumption would need to be filled by imported livestock, at least until local dairy farming capacity can expand.
As part of a broader agricultural revitalization plan, the government will also introduce training programs for local farmers to enhance dairy production efficiency and promote sustainable practices. Partnerships with local cooperatives are being explored to ensure the new influx of dairy cows contributes to long-term development in Indonesia’s dairy sector. Officials believe that the increase in milk supply will play a crucial role in improving school meal programs, hospital nutrition, and public distribution networks in provinces heavily impacted by malnutrition.
“This initiative represents a bold step toward achieving food security while supporting local dairy farming. We are confident that by investing in the dairy sector, we can meet the nutritional needs of millions and contribute to sustainable agricultural growth.”
Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Indonesia
In tandem, the government is looking into securing partnerships with major milk suppliers and exploring incentives for private sector investment to establish new dairy processing facilities across Java, Sumatra, and other key agricultural regions. The ambitious program also aligns with Indonesia’s aim to reduce dependency on imported food and boost local agricultural self-sufficiency over the next decade.
