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 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 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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### Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer
### Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. You recently participated in a significant meeting mediated by the Minister of Agriculture regarding the local milk absorption issue. Can you share your feelings about that meeting?
**Bayu**: Thank you for having me. It was an incredibly moving experience. When we arrived at the Ministry of Agriculture, I felt overwhelmed with emotion. For a long time, dairy farmers like myself have been struggling to ensure that our milk is absorbed by the processing industry. When our voices were finally heard, I could not hold back my tears. It felt like we finally had someone in our corner, standing up for us.
**Editor**: It sounds like the meeting had a profound impact on you and your fellow farmers. What specific outcomes came from the discussion?
**Bayu**: One of the most important outcomes was the agreement that the milk processing industry must prioritize purchasing milk from local farmers. This is groundbreaking for us and really strengthens our position. Additionally, milk has been included in the list of Basic Necessities and Important Goods. This recognition will provide us with much-needed protection and support.
**Editor**: You mentioned feeling like you had a “new father” in the world of cattle farming. What do you think this means for the relationship between farmers and the government moving forward?
**Bayu**: I believe it signifies a new chapter for our collaboration with the government. It’s a commitment that they are willing to listen and act on our concerns. The presence of the Minister of Agriculture and other key officials at the meeting indicates a serious dedication to improving the situation for local farmers. We are hopeful that this relationship will continue to grow and that future policies will prioritize our welfare.
**Editor**: There were reports of protests before this meeting, including actions where milk was discarded. Do you think these protests played a role in the government’s rapid response?
**Bayu**: Absolutely. Our protests were a last resort, a cry for help to highlight our dire situation. While it’s never easy to resort to such measures, they served to draw attention to our plight. The government’s swift response reassured us that our struggles are recognized and that they are willing to assist us.
**Editor**: Lastly, what message do you have for other dairy farmers who might be feeling discouraged about their situation?
**Bayu**: I want to tell my fellow farmers to remain hopeful and stay united. Change is possible when we come together and make our voices heard. The recent developments show that the government can and will listen to our concerns. Let’s keep pushing for what we need to improve our livelihoods.
**Editor**: Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Bayu. It’s inspiring to hear about the positive changes on the horizon for dairy farmers.
**Bayu**: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to speak on behalf of my fellow farmers.
