Live Cattle Exports Indonesia When Indonesia's government took offence at Australia's suspension of live cattle exports in 2011, it announced a "beef self-sufficiency" policy, assuring the country the local industry could supply their needs. But two years later, as the post-Ramadan feasting season looms, 7218 head of prime Australian cattle have been rushed to Jakarta's busiest port. It is an emergency operation to try to meet demand and keep a lid on soaring prices. Importers insist all the cattle will be slaughtered according to new, humane standards imposed in the wake of the animal cruelty revelations of 2011. As Indonesia's Muslims prepare to celebrate the August 8 holiday after Ramadan, the market price of beef has risen from $7 to more than $11 a kilogram. So, on July 19, Indonesia's agriculture minister Suswono began issuing new import permits. The ministry has also waived its requirement that the cattle be sent at less than 350 kilograms each and fattened in Indonesia. These cattle are at full slaughter weight, even though animals at this size and age find it tougher to travel overseas. "This is the minister panicking," says one Indonesian importer on condition of anonymity. Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association chief Bernie Brosnan said only 9000 to 12,000 permits had been issued and received, and no more live cattle would reach Indonesia before August 8. It is unclear whether the new permits are a one-off, or if they point to a more permanent easing of strict quota restrictions on cattle imports.