Afraid of beef from Ireland

Afraid of beef from Ireland

From Warta Kota

The decision by the Jakarta Cattle Breeding Office to import
beef from Ireland is lamentable. Without any consultation or
recommendation from competent sources, beef was allowed to be
imported from a country which is evidently still not free of the
mad cow disease.

The question is: Isn't it similar to importing diseases into
Indonesia? Are the officials concerned sure that the beef is free
from the mad cow virus?

Frankly, I am afraid the decision makers here might be taking
advantage of the situation by colluding with the Ireland's cattle
breeders who don't want to suffer losses because they have to
annihilate their mad cow virus-infected cattle.

Malpractice during the New Order regime was common. I am not
accusing our officials of any wrongdoing, but don't they have
the New Order's blood ?

Can't the government supply beef from other parts of
Indonesia? If importing beef is necessary, why not import from
countries which are free from that virus? Perhaps it costs a
little more, but it's better than the cheaper virus-infected
beef.

Who would be responsible if it turns out later that the beef
was infected with the mad cow virus? No official, until today,
has had the courage to say that he would take responsibility.

My other grievance is that I can't be certain if the meat I am
buying is not from Ireland as there is no clear labeling of
imported meat. I certainly do not want to consume meat imported
from Ireland. The Jakarta administration should insist on clear
labeling of imported meat so that the people can make their own
choices.

NANING

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