January 26, 2026

 

PT Ultrajaya invests US$68.4 million to provide UHT milk for Indonesia's free meals programme

 

 

Indonesian Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita announced that PT Ultrajaya Milk Industry & Trading Company Tbk has invested Rp1.14 trillion (US$68.4 million) to supply ultra high temperature (UHT) milk for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.

 

This commitment will be realised through increased production and the implementation of Industry 4.0 technology, which relies on the latest technology.

 

"The government is encouraging industry to continue investing and partnering with domestic farmers," Agus said in a written statement on January 24.

 

Milk supply will be provided through the operation of a new factory in the MM 2100 Industrial Estate, Cibitung, Bekasi Regency, starting December 8, 2025. The factory will have three UHT milk production lines in 125-millilitre and 200-millilitre packages, meeting MBG requirements. The next production line expansion is planned for March 2026.

 

Acting Director-General of Agro Industry, Putu Juli Ardika, also stated that the Ultrajaya factory has implemented technology that can improve efficiency, save energy, increase productivity and competitiveness, and maintain product quality.

 

The technologies implemented include automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autopilot forklifts, a manufacturing execution system (MES), and a warehouse management system based on the automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). The factory is also equipped with a wastewater treatment facility through a waste water treatment plant (WWTP) with an ultrafiltration system, which allows a significant portion of the wastewater to be recycled and reused in the production process.

 

From the upstream side, Putu said, the supply of raw materials for fresh milk will rely on farms in Bandung and North Sumatra with a total of 7,000 dairy cows. In addition, an additional 4,000 dairy cows will be added to strengthen the domestic milk supply.

 

"The Ministry of Industry will continue to encourage PT Ultrajaya to increase the use of domestic fresh milk to meet the MBG programme targets," he said.

 

This initiative also encourages companies to participate in the National Lighthouse Industry 4.0 selection process as pilot projects for technology- and automation-based milk processing industries. The Ministry of Industry has previously implemented a digitalisation programme at milk storage plants (TPS) to maintain the quality, protein content, and freshness of fresh milk.

 

Through investment, the application of digital technology, and synergy with dairy farmers and cooperatives, the Ministry of Industry is optimistic that the national milk processing industry can support food security, increase domestic added value, and contribute to the success of the MBG programme.

 

- Tempo