The price of grade 1 beef in Aceh remains at Rp 133,000 per kilogram (kg), according to data from the Indonesian Strategic Food Price Information Center on January 18, 2017. This price in Aceh (Serambi Mekkah) surpasses the price of beef in Jakarta and South Kalimantan. Furthermore, the price of beef in Aceh is the highest compared to other provinces.
The government has been unable to suppress beef prices despite opening import channels. On January 18, 2017, the price of grade 1 beef nationwide remained above Rp 100,000 per kg, except in North Sulawesi, where it was Rp 95,000 per kg.
Consumers prefer local beef to imported beef, especially food vendors such as bakso sellers. Despite the higher price, they still choose local beef. This is one reason why the price of local beef remains high, above Rp 100,000 per kg, even with market operations selling imported beef at lower prices. In addition, limited stocks of local cattle make it difficult for beef prices to fall.