Indonesia Leans on Businesses to Import 1M Dairy Cows

Indonesia has launched a bold, ~$3 billion initiative to import one million dairy cows over five years, aiming to more than quadruple its herd from 220,000 to over one million by 2029 to support a free meals program for 83 million children and expectant mothers. With limited public funds, the government is effectively compelling private companies—including those without dairy expertise—to finance these imports, culminating in logistical and ethical concerns. As of July 2025, only about 11,375 cows had been imported, raising doubts about the plan’s feasibility. The program places these imported cows under cooperative management, with investors hoping for a return in approximately 3.5 years.

Industry Insight

This program places tremendous pressure on Indonesia’s nascent dairy infrastructure, exposing gaps in technical capacity and animal welfare governance. While the move underscores the government’s drive for self-sufficiency and food security, its success hinges on robust industry capability building, regulatory oversight, and realistic timelines. Stakeholders must immediately invest in livestock management systems and cooperative skill development to transform ambitious policy into a sustainable dairy ecosystem.

Source : Dairynews7x7 2025 Reuters