Indonesia Allows Live Cattle Imports from Australia and Brazil Amid Growing Demand
Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – Reported by Antara, Indonesia has now opened the door to live cattle imports from Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono.
“We are allowing live cattle imports into Indonesia from countries that are approved, such as Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil,” Sudaryono said in Jakarta on Wednesday.
This announcement follows a statement by Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, who revealed that the government plans to increase live cattle imports by 184,000, bringing the total to 534,000 heads.
Sudaryono clarified that the state budget will not be used for these cattle imports, as they are considered an investment. He added that the government is encouraging local entrepreneurs, cooperatives, individuals, and foreign companies to bring in breeding cattle.
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The move aims to address the growing demand for protein, particularly with the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program launched by President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. Sudaryono emphasized that this program is driving increased protein consumption, which should not solely be met by importing frozen meat.
“The goal of allowing live cattle imports is to achieve food self-sufficiency, especially in meeting the nation’s protein needs,” Sudaryono said.
Minister Hasan had previously announced the plan to increase live cattle imports by 184,000 heads, as part of efforts to boost beef production and reduce reliance on frozen beef imports in the future.
He also highlighted that importing live cattle would benefit local livestock breeders and farmers, who would be directly involved in managing the cattle. This contrasts with frozen meat imports, which are sold directly to consumers, bypassing local breeders and farmers.
Additionally, the government has reduced the quota for frozen buffalo meat imports by 100,000 tons, from 200,000 tons. (BL)