Data from central and regional mosque welfare agencies (BKM) indicates that 1,856,962 animals were sacrificed during this year’s Eid al-Adha, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Friday.

Abu Rokhmad, the ministry’s director general of muslim community development, stated, “This is concrete evidence that the social solidarity of the Muslim community continues to grow.”

The sacrifices included 627,130 cows and buffaloes, alongside 1,229,832 goats and sheep.

Rokhmad believes these figures demonstrate the community’s confidence in the improved management of the Islamic animal sacrifice ritual. He added that they also highlight Muslims’ enthusiasm for sharing.

He noted that this achievement aligns with the ministry’s Social piety Index, which serves as an indicator of community development effectiveness.

The Ministry of religious Affairs previously launched eight priority programs,known as Asta’s mind,focusing on impactful religious services and community economic empowerment.

Rokhmad explained that these programs have established a foundation for the state to enhance religious literacy and encourage a spirit of sharing through sacrifice.

The strong spirit of mutual cooperation has also bolstered Indonesia’s position in the World Giving Index, where it has consistently ranked as one of the most generous countries in recent years.

“The current model for distributing sacrificial animals not only focuses on quantity, but also on the reach. Remote areas and vulnerable groups are prioritized in the distribution of victim meat,” he explained.

Central Java recorded the highest number of animal sacrifices this year, with 525,055 heads.

Rokhmad added that the ritual of sacrifice aligns with the religion-based enduring development approach being promoted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

“This is concrete evidence that the social solidarity of the Muslim community continues to grow.”