Photo: Moo-llustration
Australia has resorted to threatening to #boycottBali and Prime Minister Tony Abbott even went so far as to remind Indonesia about its $1 billion in tsunami aid Oz sent to Aceh in 2004 as part of an appeal to get Bali 9 duo Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran off of Indonesia’s death row.
Now it seems Indonesia is contemplating a sizeable threat of their own for Australia.
Members of the House of Representatives (DPR) say the government would not hesitate to stop imports of Australian cattle to Indonesia if Australia ends up prohibiting its citizens to go on holiday to Indonesia.
“If they (Australia) dare to prohibit tourism visits [to Indonesia] or any other daring acts, then Indonesia is also more than ready to take anticipative steps,” said Hanafi Rais, DPR Commission I chairman today, as quoted by CNN Indonesia.
Hanafi said Australia needs Indonesia more than the other way around, as Indonesia is Australia’s biggest cattle importer. As much as 53% of their cattle, equivalent to around 450,000 heads, end up on Indonesian plates each year.
“We urge the government to stop Australian cattle imports including productive cattle and frozen beef. If they don’t respect Indonesia, I will push to boycott cattle imports,” echoed Viva Yoga Mauladi, DPR Commission I deputy chairman.
We hope the two neighboring countries will soon realize how much they stand to lose if they stay mad at each other. Just let Australians have their cheap Bali holiday, and let us have our succulent, juicy Australian steak.
