Bangka Belitung Secures 1,600 Cattle to Stabilize Beef Prices

RRI.CO.ID, Pangkalpinang - The Bangka Belitung Islands Provincial Administration has moved to stabilize the local beef market by securing a surplus of cattle ahead of the 1447 Hijri year Eid al-Fitr celebrations. By prepping a strategic reserve of 1,600 beef cattle, authorities aim to curb potential price spikes and ensure that the surge in holiday demand does not outpace local supply.

Head of the Veterinary Public Health (Kesmavet) and Livestock Product Processing and Marketing (PPPH) Working Team at the Bangka Belitung Agriculture and Food Security Agency (DPKP), Ahmad Nurhakim, confirmed the readiness of the stock in Pangkalpinang on Friday, February 27, 2026.

"We ensure that beef supplies are sufficient to meet community needs during Ramadan and this year’s Eid al-Fitr," he remarked, as reported by Antara.

According to DPKP data, the 1,600 cattle currently held by local farmers and businesses provide a comfortable cushion. This supply is significantly higher than previous years, where holiday demand typically peaked at only 1,200 head.

The surplus is a deliberate tactical move to keep market prices within a reasonable range for consumers. Ahmad noted that the DPKP is working to cap the price of beef at a maximum of IDR 150,000 (USD 8.95) per kilogram as the holiday approaches.

Currently, the market remains stable, with prices in both traditional and modern markets hovering around IDR 135.000 (USD 8.05) per kilogram.

Despite the healthy supply, officials acknowledge that some price movement is inevitable due to the sheer volume of holiday shoppers. Ahmad projected that prices might climb to approximately IDR 140,000 (USD 8.35) per kilogram a week before the festivities begin.

"We expect beef prices to rise toward the holiday because of increased public demand to celebrate Eid al-Fitr," he explained, while reiterating that the ample stock of slaughter-ready cattle will prevent any drastic or uncontrollable inflation. ***