Agriculture Amran Responds Quickly to Milk Polemic”/>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 about 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 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)
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How does Bayu envision the future of dairy farming in Pasuruan after the recent policy changes?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer from Pasuruan**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us, Bayu. Can you tell us more about the recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and how it felt to finally have your voices heard?
**Bayu**: Thank you for having me. I can’t express how emotional this experience was for all of us. Before the meeting, we felt frustrated and unheard—some of us even resorted to protesting by throwing out milk. But when we gathered at the Ministry of Agriculture, it felt like everything changed. When we saw the Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, and other key officials present, we felt a sense of hope. It really felt like we had a new father figure in the agricultural sector.
**Editor**: That’s a powerful sentiment, Bayu. What specific changes did the Ministry agree upon regarding milk absorption from local farmers?
**Bayu**: During the meeting, it was agreed that the milk processing industry would be required to absorb milk from local farmers. This policy is crucial for us as it ensures our livelihoods are protected. Plus, having milk recognized as a Basic Necessity provides further security for us farmers. We believe this is a significant step toward stabilizing our situation.
**Editor**: It sounds like this was a long-awaited victory for you and your fellow farmers. How has this news been received within your community?
**Bayu**: The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Many farmers were overjoyed and relieved to hear that our struggles were acknowledged. It gives us hope for the future and reassures us that the government is on our side. Many of us were moved to tears—this effort has real implications for our lives and businesses.
**Editor**: What are your hopes moving forward, now that your plight has been formally recognized?
**Bayu**: Our hopes are high! We want to see the implementation of these policies and ensure that our local milk is consistently absorbed by the industry. It’s not just about growth, but also about sustainability. We hope this opens doors for further discussions about improving cattle farming practices and overall welfare for dairy farmers everywhere.
**Editor**: Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your story and insights. It’s inspiring to hear how your collective voices made a difference.
**Bayu**: Thank you for the opportunity to speak about this important issue. We believe that as long as we stand united, positive change will continue to happen.
