JAKARTA: Several associations of the national meat processing and import industry have raised concerns over a sharp reduction in the beef import quota for private companies.
They warned that the move jeopardises business continuity, employment and market stability.
According to the Indonesian Meat Entrepreneurs and Processors Association (APPDI), the government has allocated only 30,000 tonnes in total beef import quotas to private companies for 2026, a steep drop from 180,000 tonnes last year.
The figure represents just a small share of the projected 297,000 tonnes of beef and buffalo meat imports in 2026.
APPDI executive director Teguh Boediyana said the cut was “extremely burdensome” for businesses that had readied operational plans based on import volumes for previous years.
“If there is no adequate quota the consequence will be market turmoil, and the easiest step for businesses is to carry out layoffs,” Teguh said in Jakarta.
He urged the government to abolish the quota system altogether to foster healthier competition between private companies and state-owned enterprises.
“What we want is the removal of quotas so that market mechanisms can work, making the system more efficient.
“And when efficiency improves, the real beneficiaries are consumers,” Teguh said.
Similar concerns were raised by Marina Ratna, deputy chairperson of the Indonesian Animal Protein Entrepreneurs Association, who questioned the policy’s consistency in view of the presidential directive.
Furthermore, she was referring to President Prabowo Subianto’s public call for the elimination of import quotas, particularly for essential goods, as a mechanism that hindered trade.
“I have ordered the removal of import quotas, especially for goods that affect the livelihoods of many people.
“Whoever is capable and willing to import, please do so freely,” Prabowo said on April 8, 2025. — The Jakarta Post/ANN
