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 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 Aji Handayanto believe the new policy will affect the future of dairy farming in his community?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer and Milk Collector from Pasuruan**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. Can you describe your feelings following the recent meeting mediated by Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto**: Thank you for having me. I can hardly express how overwhelmed I felt during that meeting. As a dairy farmer, it’s easy to feel overlooked, but today, it felt as though we finally had our voices heard. I was moved to tears when we realized that our struggles were being taken seriously by the government.
**Editor**: What were some of the specific issues you raised during the protest, and how do you feel they were addressed?
**Bayu**: Our main concern was the lack of support from the milk processing industry in absorbing our local milk supply. We felt trapped because, despite our dedication to producing high-quality milk, many times we faced rejection from buyers. This recent agreement that mandates the milk processing industry to absorb milk from local farmers is a significant breakthrough for us. It felt like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders.
**Editor**: That’s encouraging to hear! How do you see this new policy impacting local farmers in your community?
**Bayu**: This policy is a game-changer. It gives us hope and a sense of security. Knowing that milk has been categorized as a Basic Necessity means that our livelihoods will receive better protection and support. It will encourage more young people to consider dairy farming as a viable career, which is essential for the future of our industry.
**Editor**: You mentioned feeling like you have a “new father” in the world of cattle farming. Can you elaborate on that sentiment?
**Bayu**: Absolutely. What I meant by that is that this engagement with the Minister of Agriculture and his team made us feel valued and cared for in our profession. We often work in isolation, facing numerous challenges alone. The support from the government is like having a parental figure who looks out for our best interests, ensuring our welfare and survival in the industry.
**Editor**: That’s a beautiful sentiment, Bayu. How do you anticipate this newfound relationship with the government evolving in the future?
**Bayu**: I hope this is just the beginning. Building a bridge between farmers and policymakers is crucial for sustainable development. I believe that with continued dialogue and collaboration, we can address not only current challenges but also prepare for future ones. It is vital that farmers remain involved in the decision-making processes that affect us directly.
**Editor**: Thank you for those insights, Bayu. It’s clear that this meeting has sparked a hopeful turning point for dairy farmers. We appreciate your time and wish you and your colleagues the best moving forward.
**Bayu**: Thank you for having me! It’s important to share our experiences, and I am hopeful for a better future.