Dear President Subianto, 

I am deeply concerned about the millions of dogs and cats caught up in Indonesia’s brutal meat trade, and the resultant immense animal suffering, illegal activities and serious human and animal health risks. 

Every year, millions of dogs and cats—including many stolen pets—are trafficked throughout Indonesia to supply markets, makeshift slaughterhouses and restaurants. Nationwide investigations reveal the immense suffering caused to these dogs—crude and brutal methods of capture, transport and slaughter—and there are also growing concerns for the risks the dog meat trade poses to human health. 

The World Health Organization has explicitly highlighted the trade in dogs for human consumption as a contributing factor to the spread of rabies in Indonesia. The dog meat trade poses an insurmountable hurdle to Indonesia achieving its pledge to eliminate rabies by 2030. Despite only a minority of Indonesians ever consuming dog meat, the trade in dogs for consumption threatens the health of the entire nation. Opinion polls nationwide have revealed that 93% are in support of a ban, with just 5.4% having ever consumed dog meat and less than 1% cat meat. 

Pet ownership is rising rapidly in Indonesia and with that comes a responsibility to provide adequate legislation to protect animals from cruelty. Throughout Indonesia, the region, and the world, there is mounting vocal opposition toward this cruel trade and an ever-growing number of countries and territories are prohibiting the trade in and consumption of dogs and cats, on the grounds of human health risks, animal protection, dogs’ and cats’ special roles as companion animals, and international reputation. Furthermore, in Indonesia, nearly 60 regencies, cities and provinces have already taken action, passing directives to tackle the trade in recognition of the harm it does. 

In January 2024, the world celebrated the passing of South Korea’s groundbreaking Special Act banning the farming and slaughtering of dogs for meat, setting another landmark victory against the dog meat trade, showcasing change is possible with decisive action, and paving the way for others. I urge you, as a renowned and compassionate leader, to make sure Indonesia is the next country, without delay, to end the horrifically cruel and dangerous trade for good by passing a presidential regulation. The world is eagerly awaiting, and such action will be met with national and global applause.