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 about 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 the recognition of milk as a Basic Necessity impact dairy farmers’ livelihoods and the sustainability of the industry?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer and Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Bayu. Can you tell us a bit about the recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and why it was so significant for dairy farmers like you?
**Bayu:** Thank you for having me. This meeting was incredibly important for us. As dairy farmers, we have faced a lot of challenges, especially with the absorption of our local milk by the processing industry. Many of us felt unheard and sidelined. At this meeting, we were finally able to voice our concerns directly to Minister Amran and other officials. When they agreed to policies that require the industry to buy local milk, it felt like a huge victory for us.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a protest where milk was thrown as a symbol of your frustration. How did that moment lead to this significant policy change?
**Bayu:** Absolutely. That protest was a cry for help. It was a desperate move to get attention, showing just how dire our situation had become. Thankfully, it caught the government’s attention. The Minister’s quick response to call a meeting was crucial. It showed that they were listening, and even more importantly, they were willing to act on our behalf. Seeing our struggles acknowledged and addressed was something we had longed for.
**Interviewer:** How did you and other farmers react during the meeting?
**Bayu:** There were so many emotions in that room. We felt moved and grateful. For many of us, it felt like we finally had a ‘new father’ in the world of dairy farming, someone who understood our plight. When the Minister and the Deputy Minister listened and pledged to support local farmers, it brought tears of joy for many, including myself. This type of recognition was something we had missed for so long.
**Interviewer:** The inclusion of milk as a Basic Necessity and Important Good also plays a role in these new protections. Can you explain why this is important?
**Bayu:** Definitely. By including milk in these categories, it shows that the government recognizes its essential role in our economy and nutrition. It strengthens our position and gives us more security as farmers. This policy means that our milk will be prioritized, which not only supports our livelihoods but also contributes to food sustainability in our communities.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the dairy farming industry following this meeting?
**Bayu:** My hope is that this is just the beginning. We need continued support and policies that foster a sustainable environment for dairy farming. I believe with ongoing dialog and commitment from the government, we can create a more robust and resilient industry for future generations of farmers.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your insights and experiences. It’s clear that this meeting has sparked hope for many in the dairy farming community.
**Bayu:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we keep this conversation going to ensure our voices continue to be heard.
