The structure of meat production in Indonesia is dominated by poultry meat, which is in demand among local consumers. Poultry farming is considered to be one of the most developed branches of the national agribusiness. The number of chickens, ducks and other types of poultry in the country is estimated at 3.8 billion animals, the annual production of poultry meat in recent years has consistently exceeded 4 million tons. The Republic is fully self-sufficient in this type of meat and is gradually increasing its exports.
Cattle breeding remains a growing segment in Indonesia: the country actively imports live cattle for slaughter, as well as fresh and frozen cattle meat, as its own livestock and slaughtering capacity is currently insufficient to meet current consumer demand. Meat production in Indonesia in 2023 amounted to 4.8 million tons, which is 2.1% less than in the previous year. Poultry meat accounted for 84.5% of the meat produced in the country by the end of the year (4.1 million tons). The share of cattle meat (mainly beef) in the total structure was 9.9% (477.5 thousand tons), pork - 3.2% (154.4 thousand tons), mutton and goat meat - 2.4% (114.3 thousand tons). Other types of meat, such as horse meat or hare meat, are produced in Indonesia in insignificant amounts.
In 2019-2024, the number of cattle in Indonesia decreased from 18.6 million to 12.8 million heads. The most significant reduction was recorded among beef cattle: in 2023, their number decreased by 37.2% (by 6.4 million heads) compared to 2022 and amounted to 10.8 million cows. The main reasons for the decline in the country's cattle herds were outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and nodular dermatitis, as well as market oversupply with cheaper buffalo meat from India. By the end of 2024, the industry began to gradually recover, and at the end of the year, the cattle stock increased to 12.8 million heads, which is 8.9% higher than in 2023, but still a third lower than the peak in 2021. The structure of the cattle stock in Indonesia is dominated by beef cows: in 2024, their share reached 91.8% (11.7 million heads). Buffalo accounted for 4.4% (0.6 million heads) and dairy cows for 3.8% (0.5 million heads).
Cattle meat production in Indonesia has shown mixed dynamics in recent years. In 2020-2021, production declined amid the crisis associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, after which it almost returned to the record level in 2022, but then decreased again by 8.5% in 2023 due to a sharp decline in livestock (a more significant decline was avoided mainly due to the import of live animals). According to the estimates of the Central Statistical Office of Indonesia, in 2024 the production of cattle meat in the country amounted to 496.2 thousand tons, which is 3.9% higher than the value of 2023.
Cattle meat production in Indonesia is concentrated mainly on the island of Java, the most populated in the country. The main volume is in the provinces of East Java, Central Java, West Java, Banten and Jakarta, which in 2024 produced more than 61% of all Indonesian cattle meat. The regions of North Sumatra, Lampung, West Sumatra and Riau, located on the island of Sumatra, are also major centers, with a share of 10.9% in 2024. Among the less populated and less economically developed northeastern regions of the country, South Sulawesi Province stands out, accounting for 3.5% of national cattle meat production in 2024.
As of 2024, almost one-third of the total demand for cattle meat in the country is met by imports, as local production is currently insufficient. The main share of imported cattle meat is Australian beef and cheaper Indian buffalo meat.
In 2024, the volume of cattle meat consumption in the country amounted to 679.4 thousand tons, which is 1.8% less than in 2023. The record level of this indicator reached in 2022 (747.4 thousand tons) as a result of the effect of delayed demand after the pandemic recession. However, the reduction in the number of cows and cattle meat production in 2023 led to an increase in its price and, consequently, a decrease in consumption.
The consumption of сattle meat per capita in Indonesia in 2024 was 2.4 kg, which is 2.8% lower than in 2023 and significantly less than in neighboring countries: in Vietnam - about 5 kg per person per year, in Malaysia — 7.5 kg. In 2024, Indonesia's cattle meat imports totaled 237.1 thousand tons worth US$793.7 million, down 13.2% in volume terms (-36.2 thousand tons) and 10.4% in value terms (-$92.2 million) compared to 2023. At the same time, in 2023 the country entered the top 20 global importers of cattle meat. Overall, in 2019-2024, Indonesia's purchases of cattle meat declined annually by an average of 2.0% in volume terms and 0.9% in value terms.
The bulk of Indonesia's cattle meat imports are deboned cattle cuts - in 2024, they accounted for 61.8% of purchases in volume terms (146.6 thousand tons) and 77.3% in value terms (USD 613.6 million). Significant volumes of imports at the end of the year also accounted by raw cattle cuts (15.4% and 9.3%, respectively), other cattle by-products (11.0% and 6.3%), cattle tongues (10.2% and 6.5%). Imports of cattle liver account for an insignificant share in the structure of purchases of the whole commodity group (1.5% and 0.5% in 2024).
The main supplier of cattle meat to Indonesia is Australia, which in 2024 accounted for 67.0% of Indonesian imports in volume terms (158.8 thousand tons). The second place in terms of exports to Indonesia is held by India with a share of 17.2% (40.9 thousand tons). The United States is one of the top three suppliers, accounting for 6.3% (14.9 thousand tons) in 2024. Most notably in 2024 Indonesia increased purchases of cattle meat from Australia - by 17.3% compared to the level of 2023 (+23.4 thousand tons), and Brazil - by 4.5 times (+8.1 thousand tons).
The main exporter of cattle meat to Indonesia in value terms is Australia, which in 2024 supplied products worth USD 482.6 million (60.8% of imports). India (17.1% or USD 135.6 million) and the USA (11.3% or USD 89.5 million) were also among the largest exporters to the country's market at year-end. In 2024, Indonesia increased purchases of cattle meat from Australia by 12.4% (+53.2 million USD) and Brazil - by 3.7 times (+34.7 million USD) compared to the level of 2023. At the same time, the value of imports of this product from India decreased (-57.7% or -185.3 million USD).
In 2024, the average import price of cattle meat in Indonesia increased by 3.3%, reaching USD 3,348 per ton. The most expensive products came from Japan at 12 times the average price, which is explained by the predominance of premium marbled wagyu beef. Also at relatively high prices, the US (79.4% higher than the average price in 2024) and Brazil (36.7% higher) supply beef to the Indonesian market. Indonesia imported the cheapest products in 2024 from Spain (34.9% below average price) and New Zealand (10.2% below).
The most expensive type of cattle meat imported to Indonesia is deboned cattle cuts - in 2024, a ton of this product increased in price by 12.4% to reach USD 4,187. The lowest prices at the end of the year were noted for cattle liver - USD 1,137 per ton. Compared to 2023, the average import price of other cattle by-products decreased most noticeably to USD 1,928 per ton (-20.2%).
