JAKARTA: The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) says it may import 1,000 tons of frozen meat to meet rising demand during Ramadhan and Idul Fitri.
Bulog finance director Iryanto Hutagaol said on Wednesday that the proposal for the import of secondary cuts was by being reviewed by the State-Owned Enterprises Ministry.
“We’re asking this to anticipate higher demand for beef during Idul Fitri. At least the additional stock will help increase supply in the widest segment, which is the secondary cuts market,” he said on the sidelines of 2015 Thailand Rice Convention.
Iryanto added that once approved, imported meat might derive from Australia or New Zealand.
Recently, the government issued permits for importers to buy 29,000 feedlot cattle overseas for the upcoming Idul Fitri season, which usually sees peaking consumption. The delivery is expected at the end of this month. Idul Fitri will fall on July 17-18.
The feedlot cattle and the planned frozen meat purchases will increase the imported beef supply, which was earlier fulfilled by 250,000 slaughter-ready cattle, the import of which was allowed for the second quarter of this year.
