Progress! Jakarta, the Capital of Indonesia, Has Officially Banned the Dog and Cat Meat Trade

Jakarta, Indonesia has just taken a major step forward in ending the dog and cat meat trade in the Southeast Asian nation by enacting a historic ban on the sale and slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption in the capital region.

This is the first time binding legislation has been passed in any part of Indonesia to end the horrific trade and killing of dogs and cats for food. Several regions, including Jakarta, had previously issued non-binding recommendations to limit the trade, but those policies relied on voluntary cooperation and were insufficient to shut down dog and cat meat operations in many cases.

The new law in Jakarta, Governor Regulation (Pergub) No. 36 of 2025, formally approved by the city’s Governor Pramono Anung last month, bans the buying and selling of animals that transmit rabies for human consumption and prohibits their slaughter for food. In addition to protecting dogs and cats, the law also safeguards monkeys and bats from being trafficked and killed for meat in Jakarta. As a legally binding measure, the policy empowers authorities to impose strict administrative sanctions, seize animals and related products, close businesses, and revoke licenses. Enforcement will be overseen by the Food Security, Marine and Agriculture Agency (KPKP), Public Order Police (Satpol PP), and other relevant departments.

Karin Franken, the National Director of Dog Meat Free Indonesia, praised the new law, stating that “Jakarta has demonstrated moral leadership and a courageous commitment to protecting animals and communities. We hope this sets a standard for all other regions across the country.” This legislation will make a real and lasting difference for the countless cats, dogs, and other animals who are killed for meat in Indonesia each year, and it increases pressure on the national government to advance its proposed animal welfare reforms, including a nationwide dog and cat meat ban, expected to be considered under the 2026 Priority National Legislation Program.

As Indonesia continues moving in the right direction toward a more humane future for animals, we will keep pushing for protections for the cats, dogs, and other animals still trapped in the meat trade. If you haven’t already, please add your name to the petition below urging Indonesia to take the next step and finally put an end to the gruesome pet meat trade.