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 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 emotions did Bayu Aji Handayanto experience during his meeting with Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer and Advocate**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. You recently participated in a significant meeting with Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman regarding the concerns of local dairy farmers. Can you share your feelings about that experience?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. I can hardly express how emotional this experience was for me and for many of my fellow farmers. When we staged our protest by throwing milk, it came from a place of desperation. However, meeting with the Minister and having our voices heard was truly touching. For the first time, we felt recognized, and it was a huge relief to see such a quick response from the government.
**Editor:** It sounds like a transformative moment for you and your community. What specific changes were discussed that will support the local dairy farmers?
**Bayu:** The most significant outcome was the decision to implement a policy that requires the milk processing industry to absorb milk from local farmers like us. This is crucial as it offers us a guaranteed market for our products. Additionally, having milk classified as part of the Basic Necessities strengthens our position and ensures we have the support needed to continue our livelihoods.
**Editor:** You mentioned feeling like you have a “new father” in the world of cattle farming. Can you elaborate on what that means to you?
**Bayu:** Yes, absolutely. Many of us have felt neglected and overlooked for years, often struggling to make ends meet. This meeting made us realize that the government is willing to listen and advocate for us. It feels like we finally have someone in a position of power who cares about our well-being. It gives us hope for a better future for our families and our farms.
**Editor:** What message would you like to convey to other farmers who might be facing similar challenges?
**Bayu:** My message is clear: don’t lose hope. It’s essential to raise your voice and advocate for your rights. Our recent experience shows that when we unite and express our concerns, we can achieve substantial change. Seek dialogue and engage with your government representatives; they can be allies in our struggles.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. We wish you and the dairy farming community all the best in the future.
**Bayu:** Thank you for having me. I hope this will inspire more farmers to speak up and work together for a brighter future!
