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Ganjar promises affordable meat if elected president
The former Central Java governor said he would address the issue from the source. Ganjar said that Indonesia should avoid acquiring livestock from countries where they might be at an increased risk of disease.
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Presidential candidate and former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo speaks on Dec. 12, 2023, during the first presidential election debate at the General Elections Commission (KPU) office in Jakarta. (AFP/Yasuyoshi Chiba)
Presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo has pledged to lower meat prices if he wins the 2024 presidential election.
"Insya Allah [God willing], if the people elect Ganjar and Mahfud, we will take care of it," Ganjar said during a meeting with the Association of Noodle and Meatball Vendors (Apmiso) in Semarang on Monday, as quoted by Antara.
In the lead-up to the New Year, there was a notable surge in the price of beef in various regions because of heightened demand. The initial price of beef, which was around Rp 125,000 (US$8.11) per kilogram, has now increased to between Rp 135,000 and Rp 140,000 per kg. Prices are anticipated to continue rising as demand remains persistent.
The former Central Java governor said he would address the issue from the source. Ganjar said that Indonesia should avoid acquiring livestock from countries where they might be at an increased risk of disease.
Ganjar clarified that beef stock provision will not involve countries with disease threats, addressing potential zoonotic threats like foot-and-mouth disease. He also highlighted the challenge of uncooperative entrepreneurs hindering efforts for lower meat prices and questioned the resistance of established traders to positive contributions.
Initially, Ganjar talked about how meatball vendors face similar issues as tofu and tempeh sellers. During his time as the governor of Central Java, he admitted to being approached by tofu and tempeh vendors who complained about the high cost of raw materials. However, eventually, entrepreneurs played a role in lowering soybean prices and contributing to increased availability in Central Java.
"They said, 'Pak Ganjar, soybeans are expensive.' It was really challenging. Alhamdulillah, entrepreneurs will be provided with assistance. We requested soybean stocks from several companies to borrow, and they were willing to do it," Ganjar said.
