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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What challenges do dairy farmers face in selling their milk, as highlighted in Bayu Aji Handayanto’s interview?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto: Dairy Farmer Advocate**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Bayu. Thank you for joining us today and sharing your experience with us.
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to talk about this important issue for our community.
**Editor:** You recently participated in a significant meeting mediated by Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman regarding the local milk absorption issue. Can you tell us about how you felt during that meeting?
**Bayu:** It was a deeply emotional experience for me and many of my fellow farmers. There were moments during the meeting when I couldn’t hold back tears because we finally felt heard. After our protest, we wondered if our voices would resonate with the government. Seeing Minister Amran and his team acknowledge our needs was incredibly moving.
**Editor:** What were some of the key concerns you and other dairy farmers raised during the meeting?
**Bayu:** Our primary concern was the lack of guaranteed channels for selling our milk to processing industries. We felt that if local farmers were not prioritized, our livelihoods were at risk. Fortunately, the Ministry of Agriculture agreed to implement a policy ensuring that the milk processing industry absorbs our local production. This is a huge relief for us.
**Editor:** That sounds like a significant win for dairy farmers! How has this response from the government impacted your community?
**Bayu:** The decision has given us hope and renewed our faith in the government’s commitment to supporting local farmers. We feel like we have a “new father” in the agricultural sector. This is not just about milk; it’s about the survival of our families and communities.
**Editor:** Beyond the immediate policy changes, what do you hope this meeting will lead to in the future for dairy farming in your region?
**Bayu:** I hope this sets a precedent for ongoing dialogue between farmers and the government. We need consistent support and policies that protect our interests long-term. The inclusion of milk as a Basic Necessity is a great start, but we also need improvements in infrastructure, access to resources, and training for sustainable practices.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message would you like to share with other farmers who may be facing similar challenges?
**Bayu:** Don’t lose hope. It’s crucial to voice your concerns and come together as a community. Unity is our strength, and persistence in communicating our needs can bring about change. Our recent experience shows that the government is willing to listen. Let’s keep pushing forward together!
**Editor:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It’s inspiring to see farmers like you advocating for change.
**Bayu:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to speak on behalf of my fellow farmers.