FEM IPB University and the Indonesian Embassy in Australia Hold The Australia Update 2023, Discussing Wheat and Beef Commodities

The Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM) IPB University in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Canberra held The Australia Update 2023 ‘Wheat and Red Meat’ in a hybrid at the FEM Auditorium, Wednesday (29/11).

The event, which also collaborated with Central Queensland University Australia, was held as a forum for discussion and exchange of insights related to various issues in the agricultural sector in Australia. The hope is that participants will get strategic enlightenment to deal with similar issues in Indonesia.

Prof Arif Satria, Rector of IPB University, who attended online, said that the Australia Update event was not only a meeting between academics, practitioners and policy makers, but also an agenda to strengthen the diplomatic relations between Australia and Indonesia. It is even more important with a strong trade partnership.

“I hope this discussion can produce strategic solutions for both countries and can exchange knowledge and best practices in the agricultural sector, especially for the wheat and beef-based food industries,” he concluded.

H E Siswo Pramono, Indonesian Ambassador to Australia in his opening speech appreciated FEM IPB University for organising the event. According to him, this discussion is very strategic because beef commodities are important for Indonesia. Until now, Indonesia is the top 10 largest exporter of Australian beef.

“This trade is a good prospect to help strengthen diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Australia in the economic field,” he explained.

The discussion looked at Indonesia’s beef consumption and the possibility of increased beef demand. He continued, this discussion also discussed the future of the wheat-based food industry in Indonesia.

He also hoped that with this discussion, conversations about food safety, animal welfare and best practices in the wheat and beef industries could be learnt by Indonesia.

Stephen Scott, Deputy Ambassador of Australia in Indonesia in his speech also mentioned that food safety is important for both countries to improve each other. Moreover, Indonesia has become Australia’s main trading partner so the demand for high quality and sustainable wheat and beef products is a necessity.

“Indonesia’s economy is growing stronger so the demand for quality products is getting higher. This certainly affects the industry and local farmers and ranchers,” he explained.

“Food safety is also a challenge, so Australia and Indonesia must join hands to practice best practices to support the productivity of the agricultural sector in Indonesia,” he added. (MW/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)