JAKARTA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is planning to import 200,000 dairy cattle to enhance the milk supply for the country's free meal program (MBG), according to the Agriculture Ministry.

The ministry's deputy minister Sudaryono, said on Tuesday that 160 businesses have already committed to importing the necessary quota from registered countries.

"The government regulation on this matter is finalized. We can now include more countries in addition to Australia and other registered exporters," he said, expressing optimism that the 200,000 cows will be imported by the end of this year.

Sudaryono said that the businesses managing the imports will be a mix of Indonesian and foreign companies. The government will provide pasture land for the cattle.

"What is clear is that this is not simply about importing; it's about investment. People are allowed to build facilities in Indonesia, such as milk production factories, using imported cows," he explained.

Under President Prabowo Subianto's leadership, Indonesia launched an ambitious initiative last week to combat malnutrition by offering free meals to nearly 90 million children and pregnant women. The president's flagship program aims to reach three million beneficiaries from January to March. Enditem

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