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Jakarta, May 30, 2026 — As Idul Adha approaches, traders across Greater Jakarta are facing a sharp downturn in cattle sales, underscoring the financial pressures weighing on Indonesian households.
A 51 Percent Decline in Sales
In Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, one of the city’s busiest livestock markets, traders reported selling only 67 cows this year compared to 130 in 2025 a staggering 51 percent drop.
The slowdown is not confined to Jakarta; sellers in Tangerang, Bekasi, and Depok have echoed similar concerns, pointing to a regional slump in demand.
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Unlike last year, when buyers crowded markets two weeks before Idul Adha, this season saw activity pick up only four days before the holiday, and even then at a fraction of previous levels.
Goats Hold Steady
While cattle sales have faltered, goat demand remains resilient. Traders reported selling around 150 goats, consistent with last year’s figures.
Many attribute this stability to loyal customers who view goats as a more affordable sacrifice, especially amid tightening household budgets.
Traders Voice Concerns
Livestock sellers, who source much of their cattle from Lampung, say supply chains remain intact.
The problem lies in consumer appetite. “It’s probably because the economy is sliding,” one trader explained, noting that families are prioritizing basic necessities over larger, costlier sacrifices.
Networking among traders has revealed a common theme: buyers are cautious, sellers are anxious, and the festive season is no longer delivering the windfall it once did.
Economic Signals Behind the Slump
The decline in cattle sales reflects broader economic headwinds inflationary pressures have eroded household purchasing power.
Currency weakness has raised the cost of imported feed and logistics. Consumer confidence is fragile, with families opting for smaller sacrifices or pooling resources to share costs.
This shift in spending behavior highlights how religious traditions are being reshaped by economic realities, turning Idul Adha into a barometer of financial strain.
Idul Adha, traditionally marked by communal sacrifice and generosity, now reveals the fragility of Indonesia’s middle class.
The reduced demand for cattle not only affects traders but also signals a deeper adjustment in consumer priorities.
For many, goats have become the pragmatic choice, while cattle once a symbol of prosperity are increasingly seen as a luxury.
As traders brace for losses, economists warn that the slump in cattle sales may foreshadow broader contractions in consumer spending.
If households continue to cut back, the ripple effects could extend beyond livestock markets into retail and services.
For now, the festive season carries a sobering message: economic resilience is being tested at the heart of tradition.
