Bill to Ban Dog and Cat Meat Enters National Legislation Program, DMFI–FHUI Submits Academic Draft

The Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) campaign voiced the ban on the trade and consumption of dog and cat meat in Indonesia in front of the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday (11/11/2024). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) coalition together with the Center for Law and Development Studies (CLDS) of the Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia submitted the Academic Script and the proposed chapter on the prohibition of the trade in dog and cat meat to the Legislation Body (Baleg) of the DPR RI.

The symbolic handover which took place at the DPR RI Building was also supported by a number of factions, UI Cares for Animals, and the FH UI Cat community.

In activities coupled with discussions of the most popular group (FGD), the Chairman of the FHUI CLDS, Dr. Fitriani Ahlan Sjarif, emphasized that the main goal of drafting regulations on prohibiting the trade of dog and cat meat is not only to protect animals, but also to form social behavior for society to be more civilized, modern, and sustainable.

According to him, this prohibition must be understood as a strategic policy that prioritizes the value of humanity and the country's moral responsibility for animal welfare.

Dr. Fitriani assessed that the practice of trade and consumption of dog and cat meat not only causes health and ethics problems, but also shows the lag in social norms that should develop in line with the progress of law and civilization.

This regulation is urgently needed to encourage changes in social behavior. The state is present not only as a protector of animals, but also as a director of community civilization towards a healthier, more humane, and environmentally aligned lifestyle," said Fitriani, Friday, November 28.

The discussion also presented criminal law expert Dr. Yenti Garnasih, who explained the urgency of special offenses in the new Criminal Code to prohibit the trade in dog and cat meat.

South Korean DMFI representative Sangkyung Lee outlined his country's experience in fighting for the legislation on banning the consumption of dog meat, while FHUI Environmental Law teacher Savitri Nur Setyorini highlighted the ecological impact of the trade.

Political support comes from a number of factions in the Indonesian House of Representatives. NasDem faction member Shanti Shamdasani stressed the importance of balancing human, animal and environmental relations, while representatives of the Golkar faction, Lirabica, expressed full support for the ban as a form of a civilized nation.

The Academic manuscript and the draft bill were received by the Legislative Expert of the DPR RI, Debbra Natassia. He stated that Baleg welcomed the proposal and committed to ensuring meaningful public involvement in the legislative process. The Animal Protection and Welfare Bill has been included in the 2026 Priority Prolegnas at serial number 41.