IPB University Professor, Prof Bayu Krisnamurthi, Testifies in Australian Federal Court on Live Cattle Export Ban to Indonesia

Prof Bayu Krisnamurthi, Professor of the Department of Agribusiness at IPB University, testified in the Federal Court of Australia (4/22) in the continued hearing of a class action lawsuit over the ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia imposed by the Australian government in 2011.

The hearing, which took place in Sydney, aimed to determine the amount of compensation to be paid by the Australian government to livestock industry players in the northern region of the country. 

The lawsuit was filed after a court in 2020 ruled that the export ban was unlawful and an act of maladministration by the then Minister of Agriculture, Joe Ludwig.

During the hearing, Prof Bayu provided a perspective from the perspective of Indonesia as an export destination. He explained that the sudden ban not only disrupted beef supplies in Indonesia, but also undermined confidence in Australia as a reliable trading partner. 

“This resulted in a decrease in trade volume and changes in import policy by the Indonesian government in subsequent years,” he said. 

In addition to Prof Bayu, another Indonesian witness who testified was Joni Liano, former Chairman of the Indonesian Beef and Cattle Producers Association. Both gave an overview of the economic and diplomatic impact of the export ban on trade relations between Indonesia and Australia. 

The class action lawsuit seeks A$1,2 billion in compensation, plus A$800 million in interest. The Australian government previously offered a settlement of A$215 million, but the offer was rejected by the plaintiffs as it did not reflect the losses suffered.  

The trial is scheduled to last until May 12, 2025. The outcome of the trial is expected to provide clarity and justice for all parties affected by the 2011 live cattle export ban.  (IAAS/NRA)