Jakarta. The annual Eid al-Adha sacrifice tradition in Indonesia is generating trillions of rupiah in economic activity this year, boosting livestock farmers, traders and food distribution networks while strengthening the country’s rural economy.

Analysts estimate the total economic potential of Indonesia’s qurban economy -- the Islamic tradition of sacrificing livestock during Eid al-Adha and distributing the meat to communities and the poor -- could reach between Rp 26.89 trillion ($1.5 billion) and Rp 52.3 trillion in 2026, making it one of Southeast Asia’s largest faith-driven wealth redistribution systems.

Agriculture Ministry livestock director general Agung Suganda said this year’s Eid al-Adha slaughter volume reached around 3.2 million animals, consisting of about 860,000 cattle, 34,000 buffaloes, 1.4 million goats and 935,000 sheep. The ministry estimates national demand for sacrificial livestock at roughly 2.4 million animals, leaving a surplus of around 800,000 head.

According to the Center for Sharia Economic Development (CSED) at the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance, the kurban economy has evolved beyond a purely religious practice into a major socio-economic instrument.

“Qurban is one of the largest wealth redistribution instruments in Southeast Asia,” said CSED head Nur Hidayah.

Still, researchers warned that the benefits remain unevenly distributed. Around 80% of qurban economic activity is concentrated in Java, while eastern regions such as Papua and Maluku receive less than 1% of the distribution benefits despite continuing shortages in animal protein consumption.

The think tank added that participation among younger Indonesians remains relatively low because of limited purchasing power and inadequate digital infrastructure.

The Institute for Demographic and Affluence Studies (IDEAS) estimated Indonesia’s qurban economy at Rp 26.89 trillion this year, slightly lower than last year’s Rp 27.10 trillion.

“People are still trying to maintain the practice of qurban, but they tend to choose more affordable animals,” IDEAS analyst Tira Mutiara said. “This is evident in the increasing demand for goats and sheep weighing 20 to 40 kilograms.”

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the annual sacrifice season has become one of Indonesia’s largest seasonal economic drivers, particularly for rural communities where livestock farming remains a key source of income.

“Trade in cattle, sheep and goats increases significantly. This provides income for breeders,” Purbaya said after Eid prayers in South Jakarta.

He added that the distribution of sacrificial meat also improves access to protein for lower-income households that may not regularly consume meat throughout the year.

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar said Eid al-Adha should also serve as a moment to improve nutritional access across society.

“During these days, no one should experience a protein shortage,” Nasaruddin said at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque on Thursday.

He added that sacrificial meat distribution should reach all communities, including non-Muslims, as part of the holiday’s broader social mission.