Tri Melasari, Director of Feed at the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, successfully earned her doctoral degree from the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Animal Science UGM).
She achieved this through her dissertation entitled “Effectiveness of the Camara Nusantara Livestock Vessel and the Application of Animal Welfare Principles in Cattle Distribution in Indonesia”, which she successfully defended at Animal Science UGM on Monday (Sep. 29).
The dissertation highlights the importance of dedicated livestock sea transportation in supporting inter-island cattle distribution while ensuring the implementation of animal welfare principles.
The research findings show that the Camara Nusantara livestock vessel plays a significant role in reducing price disparities between producing and consuming regions.
“Although price volatility has not been fully controlled, the existence of livestock vessels has proven effective in maintaining stable cattle distribution between regions,” said Melasari.
In terms of animal welfare, Melasari noted that the Camara Nusantara (CN) vessel meets good standards, as indicated by an average body weight loss of only 6.27 percent in transported cattle, which is lower than that of conventional transportation methods. Supporting factors include the availability of feed and water, adequate ventilation, and regulated stocking density.
From an economic perspective, the analysis showed that the CN vessel is financially viable, with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.243.
“The presence of this livestock vessel has also driven the growth of the beef cattle industry in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), expanded market access, and improved farmers’ welfare,” she explained.
Melasari’s research also highlights several challenges that remain to be addressed, including the limited number of vessels and distribution routes that have not yet covered all potential regions. Therefore, she recommends optimizing the logistics system, improving animal welfare standards, and conducting further studies on route expansion and fleet additions.
Future strategies, she noted, could include optimizing vessel capacity, improving feed logistics, scaling up operations to increase cost efficiency, and fostering government–private sector partnerships to ensure the sustainability of the livestock vessel program.
“This research is expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers in enhancing the effectiveness of the Camara Nusantara livestock vessel program while supporting beef market stabilization in Indonesia,” Melasari concluded.
The doctoral examination board consisted of Professor Budi Guntoro, Professor Mujtahidah Anggriani Ummul Muzayyanah, Dr. R. Ahmad Romadhoni Surya Putra, Professor Ali Agus, and Professor Suyadi.
Reporter: Animal Science UGM/Satria
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya