Indonesia is said to be showing "strong interest" in an annual quota system to bring greater certainty to its live cattle trade with Australia.
Jakarta has been forced to rethink plans to import only 50,000 head of Australian cattle this quarter as it strives for beef self-sufficiency.
The shock announcement last month had the effect of raising beef prices to $5 a kilogram above the normal price, prompting butchers to walk off the job in some Jakarta markets this week.
Australian agriculture ministers who met Indonesian representatives on Tuesday hope they now have a footing for a more stable partnership.
They confirmed reports that Indonesia will immediately issue permits for another 50,000 slaughter-ready cattle.
Northern Territory Agriculture Minister Willem Westra van Holthe says talks with Indonesia's Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel on ending ad hoc arrangements were "very fruitful".
"He's given some very strong indications that they're interested in looking at a 12-month quota system and I've asked that we co-operate into the future so we can make that happen," he told reporters.
Jakarta has handed responsibility for the new import permits to Bulog, the state food logistics agency.
Queensland Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne said the cattle will have to go through supply chains meeting Australia's strict animal welfare requirements.
"There are alternative mechanisms deliberately being considered by the Indonesians that will meet that certification requirement," he told reporters.
Mr Gobel lowered the import quota - from 250,000 in the previous quarter - just before the end of Ramadan, when beef is most expensive in Indonesia.
President Joko Widodo is investigating whether organised crime is to blame for driving up prices.
"There are certain groups that deliberately hold on to the beef supply to raise the price; it is being investigated," he said on Monday, as quoted by the cabinet secretary.
Bulog director Djarot Kusumayakti told AAP he was working on having the permits finalised by Wednesday, to have Australian beef arriving in Indonesia in two weeks.
"We want the ... exporters there to guarantee two weeks to arrival here," he said.
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