"We will import from East Nusa Tenggara, rather than from abroad, which is more expensive and appears as if we are ignoring domestic potentials and empowerment of local breeders," Jokowi said.Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo has said Jakartas demand for 160 tons of beef per day would be purchased from supplies in East Nusa Tenggara, which has ample stocks.
"We will import from East Nusa Tenggara, rather than from abroad, which is more expensive and appears as if we are ignoring domestic potentials and empowerment of local breeders," he said, after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Saturday between Jakarta and East Nusa Tenggara in the animal husbandry sector. The memorandum also dealt with fisheries and marine resources of Central Java and East Nusa Tenggara.
With regard to the MOUs, he said he would assign ministers to assure their implementation.
He added that, based on surveys and reports from East Nusa Tenggar governor Frans Lebu Raya, the livestock potentials of East Nusa Tenggara were sufficient to meet the nation's needs, especially in Jakarta.
He noted that until September 2014, Timor Tengah Selatan district shipped 8,225 heads, out of a total quota of 11,800, in the largest ever shipment to Java.
It was noted that 2,875 head of cattle remain in East Nusa Tenggara and might be shipped by the end of this year to meet the quota.
President Joko Widod said the second largest quota was taken by Kupang, totalling 10,500 heads, followed by Timor Tengah Utara, with a quota of 7,500 heads, which has been met.
President Jokowi and his entourage left for Belu district by helicopter, which borders Timor Leste, after witnessing the signing of the MOUs and attending the commemoration of the 56th anniversary of East Nusa Tenggara, where he met with people living on the border.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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