The city administration and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Administration keep finalizing the cooperation on the beef self-sufficiency program in Jakarta. The cooperation is focused on local-female cattle breeding in Kupang Regency, NTT, which will be managed by the regional-owned enterprises (BUMD) Dharma Jaya along with Jakarta Marine, Fishery, and Food Resilience Department.

Initially, we are supplier, and now we make breeding strategy

Dharma Jaya Director, Marina Ratna Dewi disclosed the breeding is filed following a central government's policy prohibiting the cattle importation from Australia. From that, the program will be initiated in form of local-cattle breeding. "The breeding was done when the beef imports was frozen by the government," he said, City Hall, Wednesday (2/26).

Dewi stated that the import freezing from aboard is very high risk for the supply of meat in the capital. Thus, the city administration then focused on a local-cattle breeding in Kupang area by involving with the local government. "To meet the needs of meat, we attempt to use local beef but there must be no slaughtering of productive cattle," he disclosed.

His party has prepared Rp 20 billion from the government investment (PMP) to support such program.

Meanwhile, Head of Marine, Fishery, and Food Resillience Department, Darjamuni added the breeding trial in Kupang is a strategy to meet the needs of meat in Jakarta. "Initially, we are supplier, and now we make breeding strategy," he told.

He continued the cattle needs in Jakarta per day reaches 1,000 or equal to 161 tons. Both parties could prepare 36 thousand of cattle to supply each year. "If the trial is successful, the beef needs will be met without depending on imports from abroad. Additionally, we can also save local cattle," he explained.

At the same time, Kupang Regent, Ayu Titu Eki admitted she is ready to assist the city administration to provide a local cattle breeding land in her area. "We're ready to facilitate the breeding land in Kupang," she stressed.