June 27, 2014

Though Indonesia has sufficient beef supply for the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, which starts this Saturday, prices at the traditional wet markets are rising.

Beef consumption in Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population, usually peaks during Ramadan and the post-holiday festival of Idul Fitri.

Chairman of the Indonesian Meat Importers Association, Thomas Sembiring, says beef prices at the wet markets will be unaffordable for some. However, prices in restaurants are lower, as the country imported a lot of boxed beef this year.

He also says the country's beef supply for the period of Ramadan is sufficient. However, importers are yet to be issued permits for the third quarter.

According to Meat and Livestock Australia, Australia exported 493,874 head of cattle to Indonesia from July 2013 to April 2014, up 45% on-year.