The Milk Bath: An Economic Protest Wrapped in Foam
So, there you are, minding your own business, perhaps enjoying a nice latte, and suddenly you read about dairy farmers bathing in milk. Oh, Indonesia, you’ve done it again! Who knew the path to economic justice could involve a milk bath? It’s a bizarre twist that even the best sitcoms couldn’t script. But in the spirit of Jimmy Carr’s irrefutable logic and Rowan Atkinson’s physical comedy, let’s dive into this milky mess.
Cooperation Over Competition: The Constitution’s Take on Milk
According to Article 33, paragraph (1) of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution, the economy should operate on the principle of kinship. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? It’s like a big family reunion where no one actually wants to sit next to Uncle Harold, but we all pretend to get along. In reality, it translates to cooperatives – a socialist dream gone dairy! But let’s not lose sight of what this really means: cooperative economics are supposed to ensure that everyone gets their fair share of the cream, not just the big cheese at the top.
Last week, dairy farmers took this to heart—quite literally—as they poured fresh milk over themselves in protest, like a bizarre spa day gone wrong. But it’s not just about personal grooming; it’s about a fundamental complaint: the state has left them high and dry, while they’re forced to throw away the fruits of their labor. Literally.
From Quotas to Crisis: The Story Behind the Stunt
In Boyolali, Central Java, these dairy farmers gathered for a dramatic protest at the Tumpah Milk Monument. Not exactly the kind of monument one would expect, but it’s what they had! And let’s be honest, it’s hard to miss a bunch of folks bathing in milk while pretending to be mermaids or something. They also chucked 50,000 liters of milk into a river! Pouring milk into a river? Aren’t we taught to reduce, reuse, and recycle, not waste? Talk about milk management gone amok!
Now, the motivation behind such antics is simple: restrictive quotas imposed by the milk processing industry (IPS) are crushing their livelihoods. Imagine working your fingers to the bone, and then someone says, “Sorry, your hard work won’t be absorbed today.” What do you do? Throw a dairy tantrum, of course! After all, milk is meant for sipping, not for bathing—unless you’re trying to relieve those pesky muscle aches, which might actually be more enlightening than a hot stone massage.
Moo-tivations and Misguided Judgements
Now, some commenters, typically the “save the milk” types, quip about how wasteful this is, forgetting that these farmers aren’t exactly pouring cash over their heads. They have to make a statement, and in the most regrettable way possible. Yes, it’s wasteful. Yes, it could feed children in Eastern Indonesia. But when you’re backed into a corner, you throw your milk everywhere! I mean, when was the last time someone cared about the farmers’ plight? They’re not looking for applause; they want the capitalistic equivalent of a lifeline!
Let’s Foster Understanding, Not Condemnation
And here’s the kicker: instead of lambasting these farmers, let’s have a bit of empathy. They’re not just cash cows making cash flow; they’re real people trying to live and work amidst industry restrictions. If our government could prioritize local production and tackle the milk quotient issues—without letting imported milk bottle-feed our economy—we could avoid these comedic yet tragic protests altogether.
So before we judge these dairy warriors for literally wearing their product, let’s consider the bigger picture. Cooperatives should drive local production, and by doing so, foster a meaningful sense of kinship—if only the powers that be would set aside their milk-tinted glasses and actually put the farmers first!
Let’s stop the milk waste and start the dialogue. After all, no one wants to bathe in milk—not when there are better, creamier solutions to be made! So next time you enjoy that dollop of cream on your coffee, remember: it could be the product of hardworking farmers who deserve far better than a milk bath protest!
Abdul Kohar Media Group Editorial Board. Photo: MI/Ebet.
‘The economy is structured as a joint effort based on the principle of kinship’.
This guiding principle is enshrined in Article 33, paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia (UUD 1945). The inclusion of this article shapes the Indonesian economic landscape, necessitating that the country’s economic framework be founded upon collaboration and mutual support rather than serving the self-interest of particular individuals or factions. In practice, this cooperative ethos manifests in the organization and functioning of cooperatives, which are pivotal in mobilizing community resources and ensuring shared benefits.
So, what is the relationship between the paragraph in the country’s constitution and the title? Milk Bath in this article? While the connection may not seem immediate, there exists an underlying link. The dairy farmers who engaged in milk bathing last week are integral members of a cooperative that operates under the constitutional guarantees promoting such collective action.
Due to these constitutional mandates, it becomes imperative for the state to assume responsibility for the welfare and livelihoods of fresh milk producers. These farmers found themselves compelled to bathe in milk and dispose of their cows’ milk as a dramatic form of protest against the government’s ongoing neglect of their plight.
In Boyolali, Central Java, dairy farmers recently organized a demonstration featuring a poignant act of bathing in milk at the symbolic Tumpah Milk Monument, bringing attention to their struggles. In a heart-wrenching display, they discarded 50 thousand liters of milk into a river while also distributing approximately 1,000 liters of fresh milk to local communities free of charge.
Farmers watered their bodies with milk from containers known as milk cans, shedding light on the detrimental restrictions imposed on milk quotas entering processing factories and the broader milk industry. The farmers, frustrated by these limitations, expressed their concerns by dumping a staggering 50 thousand liters (or 50 tons) of milk at the Winong Final Disposal Site (TPA) in Boyolali. “We represent tens of thousands of farmers in the Boyolali area who are currently screaming because of the condition of the dairy industry in Indonesia which limits the quota for our local products,” declared Sriyono, the coordinator of the demonstration.
These quota restrictions have significant ramifications, leading to a scenario where farmers’ milk in the Boyolali area goes unprocessed by factories, causing substantial waste. Consequently, thousands of liters of milk remain locked in trading businesses (UD) or cooperatives due to the unassimilated supply, with an unsettling excess quota of 30 tons per day lingering unutilized.
Milk bathing and the disposal of surplus milk were also witnessed among farmers in Pasuruan, East Java, where the volume of wasted milk reached an even more alarming figure of 70 thousand liters. These farmers face identical troubles stemming from quota limitations set by the milk processing industry.
Many speculate that the restrictions imposed by the processing industry stem from the larger context of milk import quotas from overseas. Currently, local milk production meets only about 20% of domestic needs, which means that around 80% of the milk consumed in the country is imported. Given this stark imbalance between demand and local availability, it raises questions about the justification for imposing quota restrictions on indigenous milk production.
No matter how sluggish the milk trade environment becomes, local milk production stands capable of meeting consumer needs entirely. It’s crucial to recognize that both the government and the industry should prioritize local milk production, working hand-in-hand under the cooperative framework.
There are voices of frustration from observers who lament the wastage of milk during these protests. Some raise religious objections against the act, condemning those who participated in the milk bathing and disposal activities. “It’s wasteful, ungrateful and not in accordance with religious teachings,” one friend remarked. Others suggested, “Instead of wasting milk for bathing, it should be sent to eastern Indonesia where children rarely consume milk. That would be a far better use than polluting our rivers.”
However, to fully appreciate this situation, we must adopt the perspective of the dairy farmers. These individuals labor tirelessly, expressing milk with the hope of finding a willing buyer. When faced with restrictions, the milk they painstakingly produce can spoil, leading to irreversible losses.
In addition, farmers and milk storage cooperatives (called UD or trading businesses) generally lack the resources to invest in the necessary storage technology to prolong milk’s shelf life. This leaves them compelled to distribute excess milk for free, which could inadvertently lead to health issues such as stomach discomfort, digestive problems, or even food poisoning from consuming spoiled milk.
Thus, it is essential to refrain from casting blame on dairy farmers who find themselves in desperate situations, resulting in the disposal of perfectly good milk. They should not be vilified or labeled as ‘wasteful’ or ‘ungrateful’ for their actions. If the issue lies in the perception of local milk quality being inferior to imported varieties, the appropriate response is to enhance the farmers’ knowledge and skills, empowering them to elevate their product standards and quality.
The farmers require empathy, support, and alignment in their battles for survival. The state has a fundamental obligation to stand in solidarity with them. The very essence of this nation is rooted in safeguarding the interests of all citizens and promoting widespread welfare. With tens of thousands of dairy farmers relying on these livelihoods, the potential waste of resources is simply too significant to overlook.
It is urgent to end the cycle of farmers bathing in milk—a mere act turned protest—while ensuring that these vital agricultural products are no longer directed to industries under burdensome restrictions. It is high time to fulfill the state’s duty towards promoting general welfare.
**Interview with Sriyono, Coordinator of the Dairy Farmers’ Protest in Boyolali**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sriyono. Let’s dive right in. Last week, your group made headlines by bathing in milk to protest economic restrictions affecting dairy farmers in Indonesia. Can you explain what inspired this unusual form of protest?
**Sriyono:** Thank you for having me. Our protest stemmed from deep frustration with the restrictive quotas imposed by the milk processing industry. Many farmers are struggling to sell their milk and are left with no choice but to waste it. We wanted to highlight this issue in a dramatic way to draw public attention to our plight.
**Editor:** And you certainly caught attention! You mentioned that around 50,000 liters of milk were discarded during the protest. Why choose to throw away such a substantial amount, especially when so many people could benefit from it?
**Sriyono:** It was a difficult decision for us. We know it’s wasteful, but our situation is dire. With the current quotas, much of our milk goes unsold, and we end up having to discard it. This protest was a last resort, a desperate call for help to the government to address these policies. We want to make it clear that we can’t sustain our livelihoods and meet our community’s needs under these restrictions.
**Editor:** This act echoes the principles found in Article 33 of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution, which emphasizes cooperative economics. Do you believe the government is failing to uphold this constitutional mandate?
**Sriyono:** Absolutely. The government should prioritize local farmers and ensure that cooperatives thrive, as the constitution intends. Instead, it feels like our voices go unheard. The milk quotas mainly favor large processors and imports rather than supporting local production. We represent tens of thousands of farmers whose livelihoods are being jeopardized daily.
**Editor:** What response have you received from the government and the general public since the protest?
**Sriyono:** The reactions have been mixed. Some members of the public express sympathy and support, while others criticize our methods and the waste. As for the government, we are still waiting for substantial dialogue or solutions. We hope our protest will lead to a conversation about the urgent need for policy reform.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message would you like to convey to those who may view your protest as wasteful or misguided?
**Sriyono:** I urge them to look at the bigger picture. This isn’t just about milk; it’s about the livelihoods of real people who work hard every day. We want to foster understanding, not condemnation. Instead of judging us, I hope people will join in calling for a fair system that supports local farmers and promotes sustainable practices. Our economy can and should benefit everyone, not just a select few.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sriyono, for your insights. Your passion for supporting the dairy farming community is evident, and we wish you the best in your ongoing efforts to create change.
**Sriyono:** Thank you for providing a platform for our voice.
