The president wants to create stability in the beef market."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will import up to 10,000 tons of beef to stabilize the price of that commodity in the country.

The Board of Logistics (Bulog) said 3,000 tons of beef imported from Australia are expected to enter the market before the Islamic holy day Idul Fitri celebration in early July.

The 3,000 tons imported from Australia would be part of 10,000 tons to be imported by the government to bring down the price which has soared lately in the country.

Around 2,100 tons already entered the market and we hope the supply would reach 3,000 tons until Idul Fitri, President Director of Bulog of Djarot Kusumayakti said.

"The rest would follow after Idul Fitri," Djarot said in a hearing here on Thursday with the Commission IV of the House of Representative.

The imports to be made by phases, are expected to keep the price of beef from climbing not only ahead and during Idul Fitri but also until next years, he said.

"The president wants to create stability in the beef market. Therefore, we make plan until Christmas and New Year, to be followed with mid term plan until Idul Fitri next year," he said.

He said the price of beef from Australia woulds be sold at Rp80,000 per kg against current market price of up to Rp120,000 per kg.

Earlier, the government ordered Bulog and PT Berdikari to import 15,000 tons of beef to curb the price from rising during the fasting month. Bulog was to import 10,000 tons and PT Berdikari 5,000 tons.

Bulog estimated that Rp700 billion would be needed for the beef imports to be made by phases.
(Uu.H-ASG/H-YH)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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