In late November 2025, the provincial government of Jakarta officially enacted a regulation that bans the sale, slaughter, and consumption of meat from certain animals — specifically including dogs and cats — within the city’s jurisdiction.
The regulation, known as Peraturan Gubernur 36/2025 (Governor’s Regulation No. 36 of 2025), came into force on November 24, 2025.
Under its articles, the trade and consumption of live animals, raw meat, or processed products from animals classified as rabies-carriers are prohibited.
Scope of the Ban
While dogs and cats are the most prominent species targeted, the regulation’s scope extends further.
The law defines “rabies-transmitting animals” (HPR in Indonesian) to include not only dogs and cats, but also other animals such as monkeys, bats, civets, and animals of similar classification.
This means that the ban aims broadly at preventing consumption or trade of animals that pose public-health risks, especially in terms of zoonotic diseases like rabies.
The Motivation
The driving forces behind the regulation are concerns over public health, especially the risk of rabies — a dangerous, potentially fatal disease. Officials stated that the ban is part of Jakarta’s commitment to maintain a safer, more modern, and more humane city.
At a meeting with animal-welfare advocates in October 2025, the city’s governor pledged to enact a ban within a month.
The regulation is also celebrated by those who fight against cruelty to animals and the illicit trade of pets, many of which may have been stolen or trafficked to supply demand for dog or cat meat.
Enforcement
Under the new regulation, there are clear penalties for those who violate the ban. First-time offenders will receive a written warning, and any animals or meat in their possession can be confiscated, especially if they show signs of rabies.
Repeat offenders face stricter administrative sanctions — including closure of their business operations or revocation of business licenses.
The regulation thus aims both to deter individuals from trading and consuming dog or cat meat, and to disrupt facilities that profit from such trade.
Reactions
The ban marks a significant shift away from practices that — though not widespread across all of Indonesia — still exist among certain communities inside Jakarta and elsewhere.
For some, eating dog or cat meat has been part of a local tradition or viewed as a source of relatively cheap protein. However, the new regulation challenges these customs by placing public health and animal welfare at the forefront.
Animal-rights groups and many urban residents welcomed the move as a symbol of progress and modernization.
On the other hand, some vendors and individuals who may rely on the trade — legally or illegally — may resist the change, which could lead to tension and challenges in enforcement.
Implication for Jakarta’s Future
By issuing and enforcing this ban, Jakarta may set a precedent for other provinces and cities in Indonesia. The rule supports national efforts to reduce zoonotic disease risks and aligns with growing international pressure for stronger protections for companion animals.
The success of the regulation depends heavily on effective enforcement and public cooperation. If implemented properly, the ban could lead to a decline in the illegal dog and cat meat trade, better protection for pets, and reduced public-health risks.
However, the shift may also provoke backlash from marginalized communities that previously relied on dog or cat meat for income or nutrition.
Ensuring those communities are part of the transition — perhaps through livelihood support or alternative income opportunities — will be crucial to avoid stigmatization or underground trade resurgence.
A Turning Point
The enactment of Governor Regulation 36/2025 represents more than just a public-health measure. It reflects a growing urban and social awareness in Jakarta about animal welfare, modern public norms, and responsibility toward living beings.
As the regulation begins to take effect, it will test whether Indonesian society — and Jakarta citizens in particular — are ready to embrace a future where dogs and cats are valued as companions, not as a resource for consumption.
It is a moment that could transform Jakarta’s relationship with animals, raise standards of public health, and reinforce the principle that modern cities must balance human needs with compassion and respect for all creatures.
