MINISTER of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman succeeded in mediating a meeting between dairy farmers and the milk processing industry in an effort to resolve the polemic over local milk absorption.
This quick step by the Ministry of Agriculture was greeted with gratitude and excitement by the farmers.
One of the milk collectors from Pasuruan, Bayu Aji Handayanto, who had staged an action to throw away milk as a form of protest, could not hold back his tears when the farmer’s aspirations were finally heard and responded to by the government.
Bayu was touched by the attention given to the fate of local breeders.
“On behalf of dairy farmers in the villages, I am very touched because today we feel like we have a new father in the world of cattle farming. “Our aspirations were heard by the Minister of Agriculture, and the Minister of State Secretary and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture were also present,” said Bayu after the audience at the Ministry of Agriculture Head Office, Jakarta, Monday (11/11).
During the hearing, the Ministry of Agriculture agreed to a policy requiring the milk processing industry to absorb milk from local farmers. This step is good news for farmers, considering that milk has also been included in the list of Basic Necessities and Important Goods (Bapokting), which will strengthen protection for local farmers.
“Everything went smoothly. We were very moved because our struggle was responded to quickly. Our demands were not only accommodated, but even exceeded our expectations. “Thank you to the government, especially the Minister of Agriculture and Mr President Prabowo,” added Bayu.
Bayu also expressed the farmer’s commitment to improving the quality of local milk.
He said that the quality of the milk they produce meets national standards, although it is still below the quality of imported milk.
“We are committed to improving quality. “The Minister of Agriculture also promised that there would be further guidance from the industry to help improve the quality of domestic milk,” he said.
Previously, a number of farmers and collectors protested due to restrictions on milk absorption by the industry.
Responding to this problem, the Ministry of Agriculture immediately took quick steps by bringing together breeders and industry to find the best solution.
“We hope that industry together with the government will intervene in developing breeders and help improve the quality of domestic milk. “This is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision, who requested that the government be present as a mediator to support joint growth between industry and livestock breeders,” said Minister of Agriculture Amran.
With this mediation, it is hoped that dairy farmers can continue to grow and develop along with industry and government support in improving the quality and competitiveness of local milk. (RO/Z-10)
#Dairy #Farmers #Moved #Minister #Agriculture #Amran #Responds #Quickly #Milk #Polemic
How does the new milk processing policy affect the livelihoods of local dairy farmers like Bayu Aji Handayanto?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer from Pasuruan**
**Editor**: Thank you, Bayu, for joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about the recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman? What was the atmosphere like?
**Bayu**: Thank you for having me. The atmosphere was incredibly emotional and hopeful. For many of us dairy farmers, it felt like a pivotal moment. We had struggled for so long to get our voices heard, and finally being able to present our concerns directly to the Minister was truly moving.
**Editor**: You mentioned in your statement that you were touched and felt like you have a “new father” in the world of cattle farming. Can you elaborate on what you meant by that?
**Bayu**: Absolutely. For us farmers, it often feels like we’re fighting an uphill battle against larger industries that overlook our struggles. When Minister Amran listened to our problems and took immediate action, it felt like a fatherly figure stepping in to support and protect us. He truly made us feel valued and acknowledged our hard work.
**Editor**: During the meeting, an important policy was discussed regarding the milk processing industry’s obligation to absorb milk from local farmers. How does this impact you and your fellow farmers?
**Bayu**: This policy is a game changer for us. It guarantees that our milk will be purchased, which directly supports our livelihoods. In recent times, many farmers were discouraged because they faced rejection from industries that preferred imported milk over local products. Now, with this policy in place, we can finally feel secure about selling our milk and supporting our families.
**Editor**: You were part of a protest where milk was discarded as a form of demonstration. How did that moment transition to the success you’re experiencing now?
**Bayu**: That protest was a last resort for us. We were desperate, struggling to make ends meet while watching our products go to waste. But the subsequent meeting with the Minister shifted everything. It showed that protests can lead to meaningful dialogue and real change. It reinforces the idea that we must continue to advocate for ourselves and not lose hope.
**Editor**: What message do you want to send to other farmers and the government after experiencing this outcome?
**Bayu**: To other farmers, I want to say: never give up on advocating for your rights. Our voices matter, and sometimes change takes time, but it can happen. To the government, I express my gratitude and urge them to continue listening to local farmers. The support they provide can make all the difference for our communities.
**Editor**: Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your inspiring story with us today. We hope to see continued progress for local farmers in the future.
**Bayu**: Thank you for this opportunity!
