Bayu Meeting, H1N1, Halal and TIFA

UNCLAS JAKARTA 001744 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/MTS AND EB/IFD/OMA TOKYO FOR AG MIN COUNS WIGGIN MANILA FOR AG COUNS PURDY USDA/FAS/OA MICHENER, BREWER USDA/FAS/OCRA HALE, HIGGISTON, RADLER USDA/FAS/OGA HOUSE, DWYER, ROCKE USDA/FAS/OSTA BLUM, MACKE, BERMAN, WETZEL USTR WEISEL, EHLERS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EAGR ETRD ID SUBJECT: Bayu Meeting, H1N1, Halal and TIFA On October 2, 2009 Post met with Dr. Bayu Krisnamurthi, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Marine, Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs (CMEA). U.S. representatives raised several agricultural trade issues with Dr. Krisnamurthi, including the Government of Indonesia's (GOI) ban on U.S. fresh and frozen pork and pork products, halal certification, and the Ministry of Agriculture's involvement in the United States - Indonesia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). U.S. Fresh and Frozen Pork and Pork Products Ban ¶1. (SBU) Indonesia banned U.S. fresh and frozen pork and pork products, effective April 27, 2009 following the detection of H1N1 in the United States. According to Dr. Krisnamurthi, it is unlikely the pork ban will be repealed by the current Indonesian Minister of Agriculture. Post expects a new Minister of Agriculture to be named after the Indonesian Presidential Inauguration on October 20, ¶2009. Dr. Krisnamurthi also asked for a progressive list of the countries that have lifted the ban in recent months. HALAL ¶2. (SBU) Recently the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) prepared to publish a final list of U.S. Islamic organizations recognized as eligible to provide halal certification for animal and products derived from animals for export to Indonesia. This halal certifier eligibility list was due to be published and subsequently implemented on October 1, 2009. According to Dr. Krisnamurthi, a decision was made within the GOI to delay implementing the October 1 halal certifier eligibility list for 3 months. Post officials asked if there was any written or formal announcement declaring the delay of implementation. Dr. Krisnamurthi recommended that U.S. Embassy officials contact the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) for official information on slaughter animals and the National Agency for Drug and Food Control for official information on processed foods and flavorings. NOTE: On October 7, Post received draft copy of an Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) circular that stated that the new halal certifier eligibility list will be published and subsequently implemented on October 15, 2009, contradicting Dr. Krisnamurthi's information. TIFA ¶3. (SBU) Post representatives expressed their concern that the MoA has been noticeably absent from recent United States - Indonesia TIFA discussions. Dr. Krisnamurthi asked for a list of the agriculture related issues to be discussed during the next TIFA and implied that an internal GOI discussion will take place regarding MoA's attendance at the next round of TIFA talks. As the Deputy Minister for CMEA, Dr. Krisnamurthi has influence over the Ministries of Trade and Agriculture. By addressing these issues with Dr. Krisnamurthi, Post expects he will bring greater attention to U.S. concerns within the GOI. Prioritizing these issues would demonstrate commitment to advancing our bilateral economic and trade agenda. This meeting also reflects Post's desire to for broader outreach and interest in cultivating relationships with key policy makers, particularly in advance of the new Yudhoyono Administration. Hume