PAN Suggests The Minister Of BUMN To Combine Local And Foreign Cattle Farming

Chairman of the PAN Faction of the House of Representatives Saleh Partaonan Daulay (Photo: Website of the House of Representatives)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the PAN faction of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Saleh Partaonan Daulay, assessed that BUMN Minister Erick Tohir does not need to debate the discourse of purchasing cattle farms abroad. Because according to him, the agenda is considered very good and productive.

Moreover, said Saleh, Indonesia's national need for meat is very high. Meanwhile, the existing local farms are unable to supply these needs.

"This is creativity that needs to be appreciated. It needs to be supported by all parties. Bright ideas like this should not stop at the beginning," Saleh said in a statement received by VOI, Thursday, April 22.

"If there is criticism, please convey it. Of course it will be used as material for completing this agenda. However, don't say it has been rejected. Meanwhile, this has just been initiated," he continued.

However, the member of Commission IX DPR views that the program to buy livestock abroad needs to be ascertained whether it can bring benefits to the wider community. For that, said Saleh, the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises must openly explain the aims and objectives of buying cattle farms in Belgium.

"From that explanation, the prospects for this policy will be clearly seen," he said.

Along with purchasing farms abroad, the legislator for the North Sumatra II electoral district also encouraged the BUMN ministry to empower and build local farms.

The reason is, there are many regions and regions in Indonesia that are very suitable for livestock development. Later, according to Saleh, it is up to the government to provide support, both in terms of technology, capital, and assistance.

"It can be done together together. Purchasing livestock abroad as well as developing domestic livestock. If this can be combined, Indonesia will soon be self-sufficient in meat," said Saleh.

Saleh said he supported the idea conveyed by the Minister of BUMN. So there needs to be a continuation of the plan, of course, with a measurable agenda.

"Pak Erick's idea is something new. I think it has never been thought of and scheduled before. Therefore, it is very appropriate to be followed up and implemented," said Saleh.

Previously, BUMN Minister Erick Thohir planned to buy a cattle farm in Belgium. This method is used by Erick to overcome dependence on beef imports.

To note, so far Indonesia has always imported beef because the demand reaches 700 thousand tons each year. Meanwhile, domestic availability is only 400 thousand tons, so they are forced to import 300 thousand tons every year.

To meet this shortage, if you want to add more cows, it will take nearly two million cows and it will take a long time because you have to prepare the farmland and all the livestock procedures.