Five major investors from Qatar, Brazil, the U.S., and Vietnam are set to establish dairy farms in Indonesia, supporting the government’s initiative for free nutritious meals.
Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman announced on October 29, 2024, that at least five major investors from four countries are keen to establish dairy farms in Indonesia. This initiative aims to enhance the country’s dairy production and align with the government’s commitment to providing nutritious food for its citizens.
During a press briefing at his office in Jakarta, Amran highlighted the strong interest from dairy companies based in Qatar, Brazil, and the United States. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Vietnamese government to facilitate investment in the Indonesian dairy sector. Amran stated that Vietnamese diplomats have been actively seeking meetings with his ministry to explore potential investments.
The meeting with the Vietnamese delegation was initially postponed due to the recent inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet, which required all ministers to attend a three-day retreat in Magelang. However, the meeting has been rescheduled for the upcoming Friday.
The Indonesian government has identified several regions across Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua where the necessary farming areas are available for these potential investors. Amran emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for dairy farming to meet the growing demand for dairy products in the country.
This investment initiative aligns with the Prabowo administration’s ambitious program to provide free nutritious food for children and expectant mothers across Indonesia. Dadan Hindayana, head of the National Nutrition Agency, noted that when fully implemented, the program will benefit 82.9 million people. Each service unit, covering 3,000 beneficiaries, will require significant daily resources, including 600 liters of milk, highlighting the urgent need for increased dairy production.
With the government’s support and the interest from international investors, Indonesia’s dairy farming sector is poised for growth, which will ultimately enhance food security and nutritional standards for its population.