Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono announced that live cattle imports can now come from various approved countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil, as part of a broader effort to meet growing domestic protein demand.

"Investors are welcome to bring live cattle into Indonesia. The source country is up to them, as long as it's officially approved—like Australia, New Zealand, or Brazil," Sudaryono said on Wednesday (28/5/2025)after a public hearing, as quoted by antara news.com.

His statement follows comments from Coordinating Minister of Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, who said the government has increased live cattle import quotas by 184,000 head, bringing the total for 2025 to 534,000 head.

Deputy Minister Sudaryono clarified that the imports are based on private investment, not government spending, and that both local and foreign investors, including cooperatives and individuals, are encouraged to participate.

The initiative supports the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which has boosted national protein consumption. The goal, he said, is to achieve food self-sufficiency, especially in protein, while reducing dependence on imported meat.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)