Protecting Farmers, Ministry of Agriculture Temporarily Stops Lamb Meat Imports

Meat imports (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) has decided to temporarily stop importing lamb carcasses and meat. This decision was taken to protect local farmers from unhealthy price competition.

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman said that this step is important to maintain the sustainability of people's livestock businesses amidst the rise in cheap imported meat.

"We have temporarily stopped issuing import recommendations so that the price of imported lamb meat does not put pressure on farmers. This is our effort to protect farmers so that their businesses continue to run," he said in an official statement, Monday, December 2.

Amran said this decision was reinforced by a number of concrete steps taken by the Ministry of Agriculture. On November 18, the ministry held an audience with the Indonesian Sheep and Goat Breeders Association (HPDKI).

Three days later, he continued, the National Consultation in Boyolali became an event to absorb the aspirations of farmers. Not only that, surprise inspections were also carried out on November 24 to 13 importer warehouses to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

In a meeting with meat importers on November 26, the Ministry of Agriculture required importers to sign a stamped statement letter. The statement contains three main points, namely the obligation to report import realization and stock periodically, a ban on distributing imported meat to MSMEs such as restaurants and small traders, and a commitment to realize imports according to recommendations without disrupting the local market.

"We do not compromise on the sustainability of people's livestock businesses. We designed this policy to protect local farmers who are the backbone of the livestock industry," said Amran.

In addition to arranging domestic policies, the Ministry of Agriculture is also accelerating the harmonization of regulations for sheep and goat exports to Malaysia and Brunei. This step aims to reopen international market access while absorbing domestic production surpluses.

"The government is optimistic that this policy will be able to maintain the balance of domestic market needs, reduce dependence on imported meat, and strengthen the competitiveness of the national livestock subsector," he said.