Mangupura (Antara Bali) - Indonesia is considering to import cows from Mexico and negotiations are now underway for that, an agriculture ministry official disclosed here on Wednesday.
"Private parties and a local government were currently in the process of negotiations," Syukur Iwantoro, an expert staff on innovation and technology under the ministry, said after attending a calf harvest event.
Regarding permit for import of up to 400,000 heads of cows, he admitted that private parties would be given full authority for this purpose and negotiations were on with partners in Mexico.
Iwantoro noted that the government would ensure that cows to be imported from Mexico are free of foot and mouth disease.
"So far, the government has been in touch with a number of countries, including Australia, in connection with beef supply," he disclosed.
He recalled that the government has put in place several alternatives to prevent escalation of beef prices in various regions in the country.
"Price of beef in different regions in Indonesia varies from Rp85,000 to more than Rp100,000 per kilogram," he pointed out.
The imported cows were to be distributed in Jakarta and surrounding areas.
"The country is now importing almost 700,000 heads of cows. So far, most of the cows are being imported from Australia," he stated. (WDY)
