JAKARTA―The Dog Meat Free Indonesia coalition welcomes the decision of the Indonesian House of Representatives (known as the DPR RI) to include the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill in the 2026 Priority National Legislation Program, or Prolegnas. The bill is one of 67 included by the Plenary Session on 23 Sept. and marks a major step in strengthening legal protections for companion animals in Indonesia, including ending the dog and cat meat trade.
More than one million dogs and countless cats are trafficked for meat across Indonesia eat year, despite the fact that most citizens don’t eat dog or cat meat. The trade’s mass movement of dogs of unknown disease or vaccination status facilities the spread of rabies. The ban on the dog and cat meat trade is urgently needed to protect public health from zoonotic disease risks, prevent animal cruelty and strengthen Indonesia’s commitment to international animal welfare standards.
Several political groups in the DPR RI have expressed commitment to banning the dog and cat meat trade within the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill, including the Golkar Party Faction, National Democratic Party Faction, National Mandate Party Faction and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle Faction. This cross-party support demonstrates the growing political consensus to end the dog and cat meat trade in Indonesia. The Deputy Chair of the DPR RI Legislative Body, Mr. Sturman Panjaitan, and the Deputy Chair of Commission IX of DPR RI, Mr. Charles Honoris, also expressed support for a ban on the trade in the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill.
Inclusion of the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill in Prolegnas 2026 comes following years of persistent advocacy by DMFI, Indonesia’s largest national coalition of animal groups, with a network of more than 100 organizations and communities across the archipelago.
To date, 116 regencies/cities and provinces across Indonesia have issued circular letters banning the dog and cat meat trade. With the inclusion of the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill in Prolegnas 2026, DMFI is ready to actively participate in the deliberation process with DPR RI and others.
Karin Franken, national director of DMFI, said: “The decision of DPR RI to include the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill in Prolegnas 2026 is a historic moment. We appreciate the cross-party political support, especially from the Golkar, PAN, NasDem, and PDI-P factions. We also extend special thanks to the Chairs of these factions for their full support of the prohibition of the dog and cat meat trade.
Adrian Hane, S.H., legal manager of DMFI, said: “The inclusion of this bill proves that DMFI’s consistent advocacy as Indonesia’s largest national coalition with a network of more than 100 organizations and communities has driven real change. This support, together with the commitment of Mr. Sturman Panjaitan and the four political party factions, is a major force in realizing regulation that protects both animals and the people of Indonesia. DMFI is committed to continuing to oversee the legislative process and mobilize broader support until a firm prohibition is achieved.”
Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society International) is a founding member of DMFI. Julie Sanders, principal, Ending Dog Meat at Humane World for Animals, said: “This brings us one step closer to ending the brutal dog and cat meat trade in Indonesia. A national ban would spare countless dogs and cats from immense suffering, help protect communities from the spread of rabies and enhance Indonesia’s international reputation. We urge lawmakers to ensure the bill includes a clear and enforceable ban on the dog and cat meat trade, and we welcome the strong momentum toward making this milestone a reality.”
Mr. Sturman Panjaitan, deputy chair of the DPR RI Legislative Body, said: “The proposal for the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill came directly from the DPR RI Legislative Body. We are ready to receive input, information and proposals from DMFI regarding the article on dog meat trade. I personally commit that DMFI will be invited again to a public hearing. The prohibition of the dog meat trade (as proposed) will be included as a separate chapter in the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill.”
Mr. Charles Honoris, deputy chair of Commission IX of DPR RI, said “I believe the main distinction between humans and animals is reason and the ability to change behavior. I have faith that we, as humans and as a society, can change behavior. In essence, we strongly support the prohibition of the dog meat trade.”
Mrs. Irene Roba, Commission X of DPR RI, said: “Animal protection is part of our moral responsibility as humans. Animals also have the right to live, to live freely, to receive good treatment, a decent life and not be exploited. The discussion of the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill can be carried out within the 2026 Priority Prolegnas. Broadly, we hope there will be a chapter or article that accommodates our shared concern about the dog and cat meat trade. The drafting of this bill is expected to accommodate all the needs to protect and ensure the welfare of animals.”
#
