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 were the main emotions Bayu Aji Handayanto experienced during the meeting with the Minister of Agriculture?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer from Pasuruan**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. You’ve recently been a part of a significant meeting with Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman regarding the issues dairy farmers face. Can you tell us how you felt during this meeting?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. To be honest, I felt a mix of emotions. There was a lot of anxiety among us farmers about whether our voices would be heard. When we saw the Minister and other officials present, I was hopeful but cautious. And when they listened to our concerns, it felt like a weight had been lifted off our shoulders.
**Interviewer:** You staged a protest by discarding milk earlier. Can you share more about that experience and what it meant for you?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Yes, that was truly a difficult decision for us. We were desperate, feeling unheard and marginalized. But we did it to capture attention and express our frustration. When I received word that our aspirations were finally being considered, it brought me to tears. It was a moment of recognition that we, as dairy farmers, matter and that our livelihoods are crucial.
**Interviewer:** The Ministry has now agreed on a policy that requires the milk processing industry to absorb local milk. How do you feel about this decision?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** This is fantastic news! It’s a huge relief. For us, having the government recognize milk as a basic necessity and include it in protective measures really shows commitment. It feels like we have a new father in the industry who cares about us and our future.
**Interviewer:** What does this mean for dairy farmers in your community moving forward?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** It means we can continue our work without fear of losing our livelihoods. This support will encourage us to improve the quality of our milk and invest back into our farms. It’s a new beginning for us, and we hope to see sustainable growth in the dairy sector.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message would you like to convey to other farmers facing similar challenges?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** I want to tell my fellow farmers to remain hopeful and vocal. It’s vital to unite and express our needs. The recent changes show that the government will listen when we demonstrate solidarity. Together, we can achieve more for our community!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your heartfelt insights. This is indeed a pivotal time for dairy farmers, and we look forward to seeing how these changes unfold.
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. I’m hopeful for our future!