Indonesia to import 100,000t of Indian buffalo meat

The Government of Indonesia has agreed to import an additional 100,000t of Indian buffalo meat for this year in the country to maintain an affordable beef price range.

The first shipment of Indian buffalo meat is expected to arrive before the Ramadan and Idul Fitri festival.

By coordinating with the meat distributors, the Indonesian Government intends to increase the supply of Indian buffalo meat beyond Greater Jakarta to other markets, including wet market operations and state-owned BULOG retail shops.

The beef consumption in Indonesia is expected to increase by 160,000t carcass-weight equivalent (CWE) by 2021.

In order to tackle local beef prices, the Indonesian Government approved 110,000t of Indian buffalo meat into the country in August 2016.

Indonesia is considered an important beef trading partners for Australia.

Indonesia is reported to have imported 60% of Australia’s live cattle exports last year.

The increased demand for Indian buffalo meat in the country is reported to have been impacting Australian meat exports to the country.

Indian buffalo meat is cheap in comparison to other beef products available in the country and also serves as a substitute for beef in many Indonesian dishes.

Due to the price factor, the meat product is widely used by the small meat manufacturers and foodservice operators in the country.