Japanese 'Wagyu' to Enter Indonesian Market  

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Syukur Iwantoro, Director General of Livestock and Animal Health, said that starting next month, Japanese Wagyu beef can enter Indonesia. However, the premium beef needs to secure the halal certification from the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) before it can be circulated in the market. "The halal certification is still in progress," Syukur said on Tuesday, October 21, 2014.

Syukur explained that an audit team has been sent to Japan a few months ago to check the condition of the cattle and see whether they are free from the nail and mouth disease (NMD). It has been proven that Japan is certified as an NMD free zone by the World Organization for Animal Health.

Syukur said that a number of abattoirs in Japan have passed a fit and proper test by MUI. "We are awaiting news about the rest," said Syukur.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Rusman Heriawan, said that import of meat from Japan will help Indonesia in decreasing its dependency on beef originating from Australia and New Zealand. "Imports and distribution will be done by PT.Berdikari, a state owned enterprise," he said.

Thomas Sembiring, Executive Director of Indonesia’s Meat Importers Association, said that the market potential for the Japanese premium meat is wide open. "All we have to do now is see how much the [wagyu] price is," he said.

YOLANDA RYAN ARMINDYA | JAYADI SUPRIADIN