Dairy Farmers Moved, Minister of Agriculture Amran Responds Quickly to Milk Polemic”/>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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How does the inclusion of milk on the list of Basic Necessities impact the livelihood of dairy farmers like Bayu Aji Handayanto?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Milk Collector from Pasuruan**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. You recently participated in a historic meeting mediated by the Minister of Agriculture regarding the ongoing issues faced by dairy farmers. Can you share how you felt during that meeting?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. I was incredibly emotional during the meeting. It was a moment I had hoped would come, but seeing the Minister of Agriculture and other officials genuinely listen to us was overwhelming. It felt as if our cries for help as farmers were finally being heard.
**Editor:** You mentioned that you had previously staged a protest by throwing away milk. Can you elaborate on what prompted that action?
**Bayu:** Yes, that protest was born out of desperation. We were facing severe challenges with local milk absorption, and it felt like there was no one paying attention to our struggles. By throwing away our milk, we hoped to draw attention to our plight and signal how dire the situation had become for the dairy farmers in our villages.
**Editor:** What was your reaction when the ministry agreed to implement policies that require the milk processing industry to absorb milk from local farmers?
**Bayu:** I was moved to tears. It felt like a weight had been lifted off our shoulders. This decision is monumental for us, as it not only acknowledges our contributions to the dairy industry but also significantly strengthens our livelihoods. It’s a step that we believe will help sustain our farms and ensure that our families can continue this work.
**Editor:** The commitment to include milk on the list of Basic Necessities is an important development. How do you think this will impact your community of farmers?
**Bayu:** Including milk on that list means more security for us. It enhances protections for dairy farmers and ensures that our products are valued. It gives us hope that the government understands the importance of supporting local agriculture, which is crucial for our communities. This recognition is a reminder that we are not alone in this fight.
**Editor:** what message do you have for other dairy farmers who might be struggling with similar issues?
**Bayu:** My message would be to keep fighting and stay united. Our voices matter, and sometimes it takes a collective struggle to get the attention we need. Trust that there are people in the government who genuinely care about us and are ready to listen. We just need to continue pushing for what is right for our industry.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your experiences and insights with us. We wish you and your fellow dairy farmers all the best moving forward.
**Bayu:** Thank you for giving us the platform to share our story.