Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id – President Prabowo Subianto’s program to distribute 1,098 sacrificial cows has drawn public scrutiny after it emerged that the initiative is funded by the state budget (APBN) at an estimated cost of around Rp100 billion.
The cows, sourced from local breeders, are being distributed across districts and cities throughout Indonesia. According to Deputy State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro, the animals were purchased using funds from the Presidential Community Assistance program (Banmaspres). Prices varied based on weight and region, with each cow averaging around Rp90 million.
“This funding comes from the APBN through the President’s Assistance and Presidential Community Assistance budget,” Juri said on Wednesday (27/5/2026).
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has defended the use of state funds, stating that the program does not conflict with Islamic law. MUI Fatwa Commission Chairman Asrorun Niam Sholeh explained that it has strong fiqh grounds, as it represents a state sacrifice for the benefit of the people — akin to the historical use of Baitul Mal (state treasury) in Islamic governance.
“In the modern context, the APBN can be viewed as a form of Baitul Mal used for public welfare. A sacrifice by the state for the benefit of society is therefore permissible under sharia,” he said.
Asrorun added that the mechanism is essentially the same as other social assistance programs delivered through presidential aid, such as food packages, education support, healthcare, and disaster relief.
The government and Gerindra Party have stressed that this is not a new initiative. Gerindra spokesman Bahtra Banong pointed out that similar presidential community assistance programs for sacrificial animals have been running since the eras of Presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo.
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“This is not the President’s personal money presented as private assistance. It is an official state community assistance program, properly budgeted through the APBN,” Bahtra said. He urged the public not to portray it as a misuse of state funds.
However, the controversy has intensified after Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa admitted he was unaware of the Rp100 billion allocation. Speaking after Eid prayers at Masjid Salahuddin, Purbaya said, “I don’t know about that issue.”
He initially suggested the funds might be from the President’s personal pocket before advising reporters to ask the State Secretary directly. The conflicting statements from top officials have raised questions about coordination within the cabinet on state budget matters. (aan/mzm)
