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 challenges did Bayu Aji Handayanto face as a dairy farmer before the recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer and Milk Collector**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Bayu. Thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us about the recent meeting you attended at the Ministry of Agriculture?
**Bayu:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The meeting was a significant moment for us dairy farmers. As you know, we have been facing challenges with the milk processing industry regarding the absorption of local milk. At this meeting, we finally felt that our voices were heard.
**Editor:** What was your reaction when you learned that the Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, would be meeting with you and other dairy farmers?
**Bayu:** I was overwhelmed with emotion. Knowing that the Minister himself would meet us and listen to our concerns gave us hope. When he confirmed that our suggestions would be taken seriously, I could hardly contain my tears. It felt like we had found a new ally in our struggle.
**Editor:** You mentioned that your recent protests included drastic actions like throwing away milk. What prompted that decision?
**Bayu:** Yes, it was a desperate move. We were losing money, and our milk was going to waste while the processing industry struggled to absorb it. We felt ignored and needed to raise awareness about our plight. It was a last resort to show how dire the situation had become.
**Editor:** After the meeting, what changes were decided upon regarding the relationship between dairy farmers and the milk processing industry?
**Bayu:** The Ministry agreed to a policy that requires the milk processing industry to absorb milk from local farmers. This is fantastic news for us! Additionally, milk has now been classified as a Basic Necessity, which is huge for our protection as local producers.
**Editor:** How do you feel about the outcome of the meeting and the government’s commitment to supporting local farmers?
**Bayu:** I am genuinely touched and grateful. The government not only addressed our concerns but went beyond our expectations. It’s heartening to feel valued and to know that there are significant changes coming to support us. I believe this cooperation will strengthen our dairy industry.
**Editor:** What are your hopes moving forward for you and other dairy farmers?
**Bayu:** My hope is that this meeting is the start of a new chapter for dairy farmers in our region. I believe that with continued dialogue and support from the government, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for local dairy farming.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us, Bayu. We wish you and your fellow farmers the very best in the future.
**Bayu:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share our story.