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)
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What emotions did Bayu Aji Handayanto experience during the meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and other officials as a dairy farmer?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto: A Victory for Dairy Farmers**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. Can you describe how the recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and other officials made you feel as a dairy farmer?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto**: Thank you for having me. I can’t express how emotional the meeting was for all of us. As a dairy farmer from Pasuruan, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. After staging our protest—throwing away milk to highlight our plight—it was incredibly touching to see our voices being heard. We truly felt like we had a new ally in the Minister of Agriculture.
**Editor**: It sounds like the meeting was a turning point. What specific commitments were made by the Ministry that you found particularly encouraging?
**Bayu**: The Ministry of Agriculture agreed on a policy that mandates the milk processing industry to absorb our local milk. This is a significant step for us, especially since milk is now listed as a Basic Necessity. It means we will have better protection and support as local farmers, which is something we have long fought for.
**Editor**: That’s certainly good news. How do you expect this change to impact your daily life as a farmer?
**Bayu**: This decision will profoundly impact us. Knowing that there is a guaranteed market for our milk will give us the confidence to invest more in our farms. It alleviates the constant worry about what to do with our products and allows us to focus on improving our practices and yields.
**Editor**: During the meeting, how did you and your fellow farmers feel about the government’s response to your protests?
**Bayu**: We were honestly shocked but also very grateful. The quick response from the government exceeded our expectations. We felt seen and valued for the hard work we put into our farms. It’s not just about the policies, but knowing that our struggles are recognized means the world to us.
**Editor**: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of dairy farming in your region?
**Bayu**: I hope that this is just the beginning. With the government’s support, I believe we can strengthen our local dairy industry and ensure sustainability for farmers like myself. We want to continue building relationships with the processing industry and ensure our needs are continuously communicated and met. Together, we can create a thriving community for dairy farming.
**Editor**: Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your inspiring story. It’s encouraging to see such positive developments for local farmers.
**Bayu**: Thank you for having me, and let’s continue to advocate for the rights and futures of dairy farmers in Indonesia!
