Indonesian Quarantine Agency Oversees Distribution of Sacrificial Animals via Sea Toll Scheme

Mataram (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Quarantine Agency is tightening supervision of sacrificial animal distribution through the sea toll scheme to ensure that livestock sent between islands remains healthy and safe ahead of Eid al-Adha.

Deputy for Animal Quarantine Sriyanto stated that the sea toll serves as a strategic solution in supporting the shipment of sacrificial animals, such as from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) to Java and Kalimantan.

“The use of special livestock ships is crucial. On board the ship, the livestock is not continuously in trucks or land transport vehicles but is unloaded into provided pens,” he said in a statement in Mataram on Monday.

He explained that the use of special livestock transport ships can reduce stress levels in the animals, as these ships have special facilities to meet animal welfare standards.

“This allows the livestock to rest properly during the journey, so their physical condition and health remain maintained until they reach consumers,” Sriyanto said.

Furthermore, he noted that every animal transported from one region to another must meet strict health requirements, including physical and laboratory examinations, as well as checks for contagious animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease or anthrax.

The Quarantine Agency recorded that 2,188 head of cattle have been sent via the sea toll facility using the KMP Camara Nusantara 3, with details of 948 head sent from Bima to the Jabodetabek area and 1,240 head to Barito Kuala in South Kalimantan.

Sriyanto emphasised that his agency continues to monitor the distribution of sacrificial animals, especially during the peak shipment period ahead of Eid al-Adha, to guarantee animal-derived food security and protect the public from potential disease outbreaks.

Assistant Deputy for Inter-Regional Connectivity Development at the Ministry of Coordinating for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Djoko Hartoyo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting the availability of special livestock ships to support national food mobility.

“We continue to coordinate to ensure the availability of the sea toll fleet is sufficient, especially during the peak distribution period ahead of Eid al-Adha,” Djoko said.