Association Asks Gov't to Establish Task Force to Control FMD Outbreak

TheIndonesia.co - The Indonesian Farmers Association, or HKTI, has recommended the Indonesian government to immediately establish a task force that will focus on the handling of the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in livestock that has been found in different regions across the country.

HKTI chairman Fadli Zon said the creation of a task force will ensure necessary measures are taken by the government in a timely manner.

“HKTI asks the government to establish FMD task force, so its handling becomes more serious and focused,” Zon said on Friday, June 3, as reported by Antara.

He added ministerial figures and experts should be included in the task force whose main responsibilities are to monitor the development and make regulations to contain the outbreak. Zon also recommended authorities to allocate the state budget for the handling of FMD.

HKTI said it appreciated the effort made by the Indonesian government so far to prevent further spread of FMD, especially as Indonesians prepare to celebrate Idul Adha in a few weeks.

“HKTI supports the government’s swift action that has implemented regional lockdown and more closely monitoring livestock transport for areas in which FMD have been detected. This policy is needed, particularly since Idul Adha is around the corner,” Zon explained.

According to him, employing maximum security by only importing beef from certain countries is crucial as mandated by law.

“This is important to identify where the FMD virus comes from. It’s evident that without country-based [import regulation], we haven’t worked out where this virus is from.”

“In the future, HKTI recommends the government to build animal health centers in every subdistrict, especially those that are farming centers. These health centers will be at the forefront to treat, prevent, and detect diseases and viruses in livestock,” Zon concluded.