Jakarta. Meat sellers in Jakarta and its surrounding areas began a coordinated strike on Thursday after the government reduced beef import quotas for private companies, a move traders say has pushed up wholesale prices and disrupted supply at traditional markets.

The Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Meat Traders Association (APDI) announced a three-day halt to beef sales across all markets and slaughterhouses in Greater Jakarta — covering Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi — from Jan. 22 to Jan. 24. The decision was stated in a circular citing surging cattle prices at the feedlot level and the absence of government guarantees to stabilize prices.

The strike was immediately visible at Rawasari Market in Central Jakarta, where all beef stalls were shuttered, according to Beritasatu.com observations. On a normal day, the market’s meat section is active from early morning.

Traders say the combination of tighter import allocations and rising upstream costs has driven carcass prices beyond what retailers can absorb. “Wholesale beef prices are now close to Rp 115,000 ($6.8) per kilogram, up from around Rp107,000 compared to last year’s Eid period,” said Darsa, a beef trader. Retail prices have climbed to Rp140,000 to Rp150,000 per kilogram, he said, squeezing small vendors as consumers resist further increases.

The disruption has rippled through the food economy. Padang-style restaurant owner Herman said the shortage left him unable to operate normally. “Beef is essential for us. If we don’t sell, we don’t earn,” he said, adding he hoped prices would normalize quickly.

Consumers also reported difficulty finding beef. Anton, a Jakarta resident, said he visited six markets across Central Jakarta without success. “All the stalls were closed. I only needed about four kilograms for household use,” he said.

Industry groups warn the impact could be broader. APDI said about 20,000 meatball vendors across Greater Jakarta risk losing their main raw material. Bambang Hariyanto, chairman of Papmiso Indonesia, the meatball producers association, estimated potential losses to the sector could reach Rp20 billion per day if the strike lasts the full three days.

Papmiso urged the government to act swiftly, recalling President Prabowo Subianto’s campaign pledge to reform beef trade governance and maintain price stability for staple foods. “We hope the government immediately improves beef trade management so small businesses and consumers can access affordable prices,” Bambang said.

The strike comes amid mounting criticism of Indonesia’s 2026 beef import policy. The government has set a total quota of 297,000 tons, but only 30,000 tons — about 16% — has been allocated to private importers, down sharply from 180,000 tons last year. The bulk of imports has been assigned to state-owned firms, including Berdikari and Perusahaan Perdagangan Indonesia.

Teguh Boediyana, executive director of the Indonesian Meat Processors and Distributors Association, warned the reduced quota could threaten business continuity and jobs. “If the quota is insufficient, market volatility is inevitable, and layoffs may follow,” he said earlier this month.

APDI leaders say live cattle prices have climbed to around Rp55,000 per kilogram, forcing retail beef prices above Rp140,000 per kilogram to avoid losses. “At these levels, demand drops,” said Sadimin, head of APDI in Bekasi. “We need firm government action to bring prices back to normal.”