On October 31, 2023, the Forum AWO Indonesia organized a training with the aim of enhancing understanding and practices of animal welfare, traceability, and the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) in the field of beef cattle farming for the supply chain in Central Java. Held at the Oak Tree Hotel Semarang and the Perusda RPH Kota Semarang, this event served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to share knowledge and experiences, aiming to improve animal welfare and optimize traceability systems in the beef cattle farming industry.
The event was opened and welcomed by Mr. Petrus Widyantoro, the project manager of the IA-RMCP program, as IA-RMCP continues to support activities conducted by the AWO Forum Indonesia. Participants in the training in Semarang included various stakeholders, such as slaughterhouse operators, livestock departments from several districts and cities in Central Java, and personnel from slaughterhouses, including halal slaughter operators, veterinarians, and pen keepers.
Introduction to the ESCAS System and the Supply Chain of Australian Cattle to Indonesia
During the training, Denis Febta, the representative of Australian Cattle Exporter (Frontier International Northern Pty Ltd), first provided an overview of the process of exporting Australian cattle to importing countries such as Indonesia. Videos were shown illustrating the mustering, drafting, livestock transportation using road trains, and loading cattle onto ships at the port. All these processes were explained in detail in relation to the supply chain of cattle from the country of origin to the importing country. Denis also explained information and guidelines related to the ESCAS system, aiming to ensure that exported animals are raised and processed according to high welfare standards, from the moment they are received at the port, in the feedlot, to the facility/Abattoir.
Increased Awareness of Animal Welfare, Livestock Handling, and Optimization of Traceability Systems
The second session was presented by Deni Julianto from PT. GGL (Great Giant Livestock). In this session, Mr.Deni provided information on animal welfare in feedlots and slaughterhouses to raise awareness among participants about the importance of animal welfare in the context of beef cattle farming. This includes understanding the physiological and psychological needs of animals and best practices to ensure the welfare of livestock. In the animal welfare session, there will be observations at the Perusda Kota Semarang slaughterhouse to directly witness the farming and slaughter processes of livestock in accordance with animal welfare standards.
GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion)
The last session was conducted by Drh. Neny Santy Jelita, Chairperson of the AWO Forum Indonesia. Drh. Neny focused on an often overlooked but essential aspect of the industry: inclusivity in the involvement of women in activities in the beef cattle industry, both in farms/feedlots and slaughterhouses. GEDSI, which stands for Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion, was presented by Drh. Neny, emphasizing the vital role of women in the supply chain of imported Australian cattle. She highlighted the need for equal opportunities and social inclusion for all stakeholders, regardless of gender or physical ability.
Discussion Session
This training provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences and best practices related to the implementation of animal welfare policies and traceability systems at the local and national levels.
The Animal Welfare and Traceability Training organized by the Forum AWO Indonesia in Semarang on October 31, 2023, is expected to be a significant milestone in raising awareness and implementing best practices in animal welfare and farm traceability systems in Indonesia. The event is anticipated to strengthen the commitment of the Indonesian livestock industry to ethical and sustainable principles.
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