Indonesia Has Other Options for Beef Imports: Minister

Jakarta (Antara) - Senior Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa has said that Indonesia does not depend on Australia for beef imports and can import from other countries as well. "Irrespective of the wire-tapping allegations, Indonesia does not depend on (Australia) for beef imports. We have other countries that can supply beef to us," the minister said here on Thursday. Hatta made the comments after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's statement on Wednesday (Nov 20), which said that he (the President) would send an official letter on the wire-tapping allegations to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. The head of state gave his statement to the media after meeting with Indonesian Ambassador to Australia Najib Riphat Kesoema, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Cabinet Minister Dipo Alam and Head of the State Intelligence Agency Marciano Norman. As part of Indonesia's response, President Yudhoyono also temporarily suspended cooperation in a number of fields between Indonesia and Australia. The President has decided to temporarily suspend cooperation between the two countries in the fields of intelligence exchange, joint military exercises and military operations in the area of human trafficking, until an explanation is given on the wire-tapping. According to Hatta, Indonesia has not yet suspended economic cooperation with Australia and trade and investments continue as usual. (*)