Indonesia has imported 1,250 dairy cattle from Australia as part of its plan to bring in 200,000 cows this year. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to enhance food security and boost local milk production. The government is partnering with the private sector to reduce dependency on dairy imports and support national nutrition programs. Future imports may include cattle from Brazil, Vietnam, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
Indonesia has taken a significant step toward enhancing its dairy sector by importing 1,250 dairy cattle from Australia. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Directorate General of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health, aligns with the government’s broader strategy to strengthen food security and reduce dependence on imported dairy products.
The imported Frisian Holstein (FH) dairy cows, with a gestation age of 3-5 months, arrived at Tanjungwangi Port in Banyuwangi, East Java. Agung Suganda, Director General of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that this import is part of Indonesia’s long-term dairy cow development roadmap, which encourages collaboration between the government and private sector investors.
“This initiative is expected to increase the population of high-quality dairy cows in Indonesia, strengthen the supply of fresh milk for the processing industry, and support the sustainability of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Programme,” Suganda said, as reported by Indonesia’s national news agency, Antara.
Indonesia plans to import a total of 200,000 dairy cows in 2025 to expand its national dairy herd and meet the country’s rising milk demand. The second batch of 1,250 dairy cattle is scheduled to arrive in June, following the previous import of around 3,000 cows from Australia.
To further diversify its supply sources, Indonesia is exploring the possibility of importing dairy cows from Brazil, Vietnam, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The government hopes that by increasing local dairy production, it can lower its reliance on imported dairy products and ensure a stable supply of fresh milk for domestic consumers.
This strategic move reflects Indonesia’s commitment to food security and agricultural development, reinforcing the nation’s position as a key player in the global dairy industry.
