February 5, 2025

 

Professors discuss livestock industry strategies for Golden Indonesia 2045

 

Two lecturers from the Faculty of Animal Science at Indonesia's Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) were officially inaugurated on January 30.

 

The two professors are Professor Tri Satya Mastuti Widi, inaugurated as professor of livestock production systems, and Professor Panjono, inaugurated as professor of livestock production at Animal Science UGM. The animal science experts discussed the importance of animal science for society's broader needs.

 

In his inaugural speech, "Development of the Livestock Industry Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045," Professor Panjono explained that the fulfillment of the meat supply as part of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program, which aims to improve the quality of education and children's health by providing nutritious food, is crucial to supporting the programme.

 

"Meat contains many essential nutrients for the body, such as proteins, iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamins," he said.

 

Chicken, beef, and buffalo meat primarily dominate meat consumption in Indonesia. However, unlike broiler chickens, which can meet demand due to a surplus, beef and buffalo meat still experience a deficit. This deficit arises from the lower production of beef and buffalo meat, which stands at 496.25 thousand tonnes compared to the national demand of 759.67 thousand tonnes.

 

The shortfall has been met through meat or live cattle imports. However, relying on imports is not ideal for national food independence, according to Professor Panjono.

 

"Meeting meat demand by increasing domestic production will enhance food sovereignty and provide added value for the livestock industry," he stated.

 

He further elaborated that strategic steps must be taken to develop a livestock industry that meets national needs and increases farmers' income. These include improving genetic quality, applying efficient farming techniques, developing production systems, and optimising business scales.

 

"These steps must be outlined in short, medium, and long-term programmes so that the goal of independently meeting national meat demand can be achieved alongside the realisation of the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision," Professor Panjono concluded.

 

Similarly, Professor Tri Satya Mastuti Widi raised related issues in her inaugural speech, "Designing Sustainable Livestock Production Systems with a Holistic Approach Based on Local Wisdom." She explained that a sustainable livestock production system could help address food security issues in Indonesia.

 

Professor Widi stated that food and energy availability are crucial and longstanding issues for many countries worldwide, and Indonesia is no exception.

 

She explained that red meat, particularly beef, is a traditional source of animal protein in Indonesia, but there is still a gap between production and consumption.

 

"Reflecting on projections of beef production and consumption in Indonesia for 2023–2027, a gap between production and consumption remains," Professor Widi explained. She further noted that this deficit is partly due to differences between government programmes and farmers' goals.

 

Professor Widi then discussed various efforts to meet food needs, explaining that every effort to increase food production has impacts on the environment, biodiversity, animal welfare, and human health.

 

Therefore, a sustainable approach that appreciates local wisdom is needed to ensure that future food production does not compromise human health, biodiversity, animal welfare, or the environment.

 

"Research and development should be directed towards the contribution of agricultural/livestock production systems to sustainable development through a holistic approach that recognises farmers' dual objectives and related trade-offs," she emphasised.

 

In her closing remarks, Professor Widi presented several ideas related to the sustainability of livestock production systems, particularly in livestock development. These include paying attention to local production systems and local wisdom, analysing trade-offs and impacts in every production system's progress, improving local production systems, land use sharing, and utilising marginal land, as well as synergistic, comprehensive, and conducive government policies.

 

She added that the success of this design requires collaboration from all stakeholders and government support to make it a reality.

- UGM