Indonesia Prioritizes Breeder Cow Population to Achieve Beef Self-Sufficiency

Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono revealed that Indonesia requires 600,000 breeder dairy cows and an equal number of breeder beef cattle to meet this ambitious goal. "We need a total of 1.2 million breeder cows to realize this objective," he emphasized.

Sudaryono assured that the effort to boost the breeder cow population would complement, rather than hinder, the government's ongoing initiatives to gradually reduce Indonesia's reliance on cow imports.

To support the increase in breeder cows, Sudaryono highlighted the importance of comprehensive preparations, including essential infrastructure such as land, roads, and ports. He pointed to the success of Indonesia's artificial insemination programs in Malang, East Java, and West Bandung, West Java, which have effectively utilized technology to produce both male and female calves, significantly enhancing the breeder cow population.

"We have mastered the technology to produce both male and female calves," Sudaryono stated. "This capability will significantly increase our breeder cow population."

Regarding the government's upcoming free lunch program, Sudaryono expressed optimism about its potential to accelerate dairy self-sufficiency. The program's pilot phase, which included providing schoolchildren with milk as part of their meals in several regions, demonstrated positive results and underscored the program's potential impact.

Sudaryono emphasized the need for early and thorough planning to ensure the successful implementation of both the breeder cow initiative and the free lunch program. These efforts are seen as critical components in paving the way for Indonesia's long-term food self-sufficiency goals.