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 Bayu Aji Handayanto believe the new policy on milk processing will affect the livelihoods of local dairy farmers?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer Activist from Pasuruan**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. Let’s start with the recent developments concerning dairy farming in Indonesia. How do you feel about the meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and the outcome?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. I am incredibly relieved and grateful. The meeting was emotionally charged for many of us. After feeling unheard for so long, having our voices acknowledged by the Minister of Agriculture, along with the presence of the Minister of State Secretary and the Deputy Minister, gave us hope. It felt like we finally had a new father in the world of cattle farming.
**Editor:** You mentioned that this meeting was a turning point for dairy farmers. Can you elaborate on what was discussed and the agreements made during the meeting?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Absolutely. One of the key points was the policy that requires the milk processing industry to absorb milk from local farmers. This is crucial for us, as it ensures that our products have a guaranteed market. We also learned that milk will be categorized as a Basic Necessity, which means stronger legal protection for us as local farmers.
**Editor:** That sounds promising. In your opinion, how will this new policy impact local dairy farming?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** This policy is a game changer. It not only reassures farmers that their milk will be accepted, but it can also stabilize our income and improve our livelihoods. When farmers are confident in selling their products, it encourages them to invest more in their farms and produce higher quality milk.
**Editor:** It’s inspiring to hear how hopeful you are about these changes. What message would you like to share with other dairy farmers who might be feeling disillusioned?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** To my fellow farmers, I want to say that perseverance is key. Change takes time, but we need to keep pushing for our rights and voicing our concerns. This recent development shows that our struggles are not in vain; when we unite and speak out, we can achieve significant results.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your insights and experiences. It’s clear that your passion and dedication play a huge role in advocating for your community.
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. I hope to continue working towards a better future for all dairy farmers in Indonesia.