RI, Australia strengthening quarantine programs

Surabaya (ANTARA News) - The governments of Indonesia and Australia are carrying out an Indonesian Quarantine Strengthening Program (IQSP) in an effort to make people aware of the importance of animal quarantine, an agricultural official said.

Head of the Agricultural Quarantine Service, Syukur Irwantoro said here on Thursday the quarantine strengthening cooperation was carried out through the Agricultural Quarantine Service (Barantan) in Indonesia and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) in Australia.

Syukur said the IQSP program was carried out in June 8 - July 8, 2008 in line with the Barantan`s Service Month program and the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of National Awakening.

He said the program was expected to increase people`s awareness of and responsibility for the quarantine process for all animals and animal products. end (*)