RI to maintain cattle imports from OZ

JAKARTA. Refuting rising concerns about cattle imports from Australia, Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan said Indonesia would unlikely halt cattle imports soon, despite the fact that a plan to seek alternative sources of beef was underway.

The statement came one day after Agriculture Minister Suswono said the government might appeal to importers to act in accordance with the government's stance on the row between Indonesia and Australia.

"It is certain that we must do everything to maintain price stability. If domestic supplies are insufficient, there should be other alternatives," Gita told reporters after opening an exhibition at the Jakarta Convention Center.

The government may discuss the cattle import issue immediately under the arrangement of the coordinating economic minister, Gita added.