Gibran Calls The Surakarta City Government Still Conducting Academic Studies Regarding The SE Dog Meat

Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka gave a statement to reporters in Solo, Central Java, Tuesday (27/2/2024). ANTARA/Aris Wasita

SOLO - Surakarta City Government conducted an academic study related to a circular (SE) that regulates the sale of dog meat. "Yesterday we signed the SE dog meat. We are following up with an academic study," said Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka in Solo, Central Java, Antara, Tuesday, February 27. Previously, the Surakarta City Government (Pemkot) had issued Circular Letter (SE) Number 38/597/2024 concerning the Appeal for Consumption of Food Products from Safe and Healthy Animals in Surakarta City. At the SE, the government appealed to the public not to consume dog meat. He said there were proposals from a number of parties so that the SE would be upgraded to regional regulations. Therefore, his party considers it necessary to make an academic study first. "That's why we made an academic study first. The important thing is that if we don't have a problem, we will become a regional regulation or something, the important thing is that traders can continue their business in other fields," he said. He said so far dog meat traders were quite cooperative even though the SE had been issued, including the Dog Meat Free community which is also trying to relieve traders who want to switch types of sales. "From the Dog Meat Free community, the initiative to collect CSR will later become a capital for traders," he said. Thus, he said, everything was moving in response to the sale of dog meat in Solo City. "From the SE, it is an appeal and further with academic studies," he said. Previously, the Head of the Surakarta City Agriculture, Food Security and Fisheries Service, Eko Nugroho, said that the Surakarta City Regional Secretariat had been asked to conduct an academic study regarding this matter. The City Government plans to increase the Mayor's SE regarding the appeal for Consumption of Food Products from the Origin of Safe and Healthy Animals to become a Regional Regulation.

"The circular is only an appeal that is not strong enough to regulate circulation. The application is also based on public awareness, so it will be increased to a regional regulation," he said.