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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What specific measures were discussed that could support local dairy farmers in Pasuruan?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer from Pasuruan**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. You recently participated in a significant meeting with Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman regarding the milk absorption issue. Can you share your emotions during that meeting?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. It was an incredibly emotional experience. I came to the meeting feeling anxious and hopeful; after staging protests, my fellow farmers and I felt our voices weren’t being heard. When the Minister listened to our concerns, I couldn’t hold back my tears. It felt like we finally had someone fighting for us, someone who genuinely cares about our struggles as dairy farmers.
**Editor:** You mentioned that your aspirations were responded to by the government. What specific measures were discussed that will aid local farmers like yourself?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** The most important outcome was the agreement that the milk processing industry would be required to absorb milk from local farmers. This is huge for us because it means a stable market for our products. Additionally, milk has been included in the list of Basic Necessities and Important Goods, which will offer us even more protection. This shows that our livelihoods matter.
**Editor:** It sounds like a major breakthrough. How have your fellow farmers reacted to these developments?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** There’s a palpable sense of relief and gratitude among us. We feel that our struggle is finally being recognized. The collective effort and our voices have led to positive change, and that is truly uplifting. Many farmers who participated in the protests are now hopeful for the future.
**Editor:** Moving forward, what are your hopes for the dairy farming community?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** My hope is that this is just the beginning. We need ongoing support and collaboration with the government and the processing industry to ensure that our rights and needs are consistently prioritized. We want to build a sustainable future for local dairy farming and continue providing quality milk to our communities.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It is heartening to see the positive steps being taken in support of local farmers.
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Together, we can make a difference!