MPR Chairman Opens APPSI Cattle Contest in Wonosobo
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, Ahmad Muzani, officially opened the Piala Ketua MPR RI APPSI (Indonesian Cattle Fattening Breeders Association) Cattle Contest held in Wonosobo, Central Java, on Saturday.
In his speech, he emphasised that the welfare of cattle breeders is one of the main indicators of national economic growth and Indonesia’s food security.
“The organisation of this contest, which is close to the Eid al-Adha momentum, is a jackpot for the breeders,” said Muzani, as quoted from a statement received in Jakarta.
This is because, besides being a competition arena, he said, the event serves as an educational space for breeders to share fattening techniques, daily weight gain improvements, and mitigation of livestock diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), and goitre disease.
Thus, he described the contest as a way for his side to provide enthusiasm and spirit to the breeders.
It was stated that if the breeders’ income is good and they are thriving, Indonesia is expected to prosper, which is a sign of a moving economy and growing public purchasing power.
Muzani specifically highlighted the great potential of Wonosobo Regency as a livestock centre, especially for dairy cattle. Given that current national milk production only meets around 23 to 25 percent of total needs, there is a market opportunity of 75 percent that must be filled by local products.
He explained this particularly with the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, where the demand for fresh milk and quality vegetables will surge dramatically.
He noted that the MBG programme has had a real impact on vegetable farmers in Wonosobo, where market demand has now increased even before the harvest season arrives.
He hopes that Wonosobo, with its cool climate, can become a national nutrition fulfilment centre, especially for fresh milk.
“MBG is a blessing for vegetable, egg, and meat farmers. We want all Indonesian people to be healthy and meet their nutritional requirements,” he added.
In the event, government support for the livestock sector was evident through the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan).
As a form of appreciation, Kementan gifted five cattle, each weighing over one tonne, to the breeders. In addition, the organising committee also provided Umrah prizes for five lucky participants.
The MPR Chairman also appreciated the government policies that favour the people, such as the reduction in Hajj embarkation costs (ONH) for two consecutive years and fertiliser discounts of up to 20 percent amid difficult global conditions.
Even though the world situation is uncertain due to global conflicts, he continued, the government remains committed to keeping fertiliser prices affordable for farmers.
“Let us maintain unity and harmony so that this development continues,” said Muzani emphatically.