VIVAnews – Australian Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig announced the suspension of all live cattle exports to Indonesia for six months. This decision was made following the report that Australian-origin cattle were treated cruelly before being slaughtered in Indonesia’s slaughterhouses.
Regarding this case, Indonesian Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu stated that the government is not worried over Australia’s export suspension. The government confirmed that the domestic demand of meat is met.
She said that the Agricultural Ministry and her are coordinating with Australian party to guarantee the treatment of the cattle.
“The aim is how to find a win-win solution between the two parties,” said Mari at Coordinating Ministry for the Economy office, Tuesday, June 8, 2011.
The policy does not affect the domestic demand of meat either, especially approaching fasting month and Eid. It is a general knowledge that meat consumption during these times goes up.
“For the time being, no need to worry about the shortage of meat because domestic stock is more than sufficient. Do not relate the issue to this,” said Mari.
Regarding the well treatment of the cattle, it has already been the government’s program. Mari explained that the Agricultural Ministry has a program of cattle welfare to uphold. Indonesia will also join hands with Australia, including for standard elevation.
The Wall Street Journal quoted that the six-month suspension can be withdrawn any time as soon as Indonesia’s cattle slaughter is assured to accord with the procedures.
“Simultaneous live cattle export industry must be based on the ability to assure animal’s welfare,” said Ludwig.
“The export to Indonesia will only resume after we are certain that the cattle industry can meet the supply guarantee,” said Ludwig in a statement sent to VIVAnews.com.
Last week, the Australian government temporarily suspended live cattle export to tens of slaughterhouses in Indonesia. This followed the report of investigation of a television station into brutal treatment on cattle before the slaughter at the respective slaughterhouses.
Indonesia is known as the largest market for Australian cattle exports. According to Associated Press, cattle export to Indonesia is worth A$330 million, or around Rp2.9 trillion a year.
Translated by Indah Lestari
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