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 are the key changes that the Ministry of Agriculture agreed to implement for local dairy farmers?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer and Advocate for Local Milk Producers**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. We just heard about the successful mediation by the Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, between dairy farmers and the milk processing industry. How do you feel about this development?
**Bayu:** Thank you for having me. I am incredibly grateful for the Minister’s swift response. It was an emotional day for us farmers. When I protested by throwing milk, it was out of desperation. Our voices were finally heard, and to have the Minister of Agriculture and other officials present made a significant difference. It felt like we finally have a champion for our cause.
**Editor:** That’s heartening to hear. Can you elaborate on what specific changes the ministry agreed to?
**Bayu:** Yes, the Ministry agreed to implement a policy mandating the milk processing industry to absorb milk from local farmers. This is a huge relief for us, as it ensures a stable market for our produce. Additionally, milk has now been classified as a Basic Necessity and Important Good (Bapokting), which offers us further protection.
**Editor:** How has this situation impacted your community of dairy farmers in Pasuruan?
**Bayu:** The response from the government has reignited hope among us. We’ve been struggling for a long time with issues of market access and fair prices. Now, we feel like we have a new father in the world of cattle farming, someone who is actively listening to our needs. It’s a powerful sentiment that motivates us.
**Editor:** There’s been mention of ongoing support and synergy between different government bodies. How significant do you think this collaboration will be moving forward?
**Bayu:** Collaboration is crucial. It’s not just about addressing this issue; it’s about building a sustainable future for dairy farming in Indonesia. With the support from various levels of government, we can expect more policies and programs that will benefit local farmers in the long term. It’s an encouraging sign that the government is committed to our well-being.
**Editor:** Any final thoughts as you move forward from this moment?
**Bayu:** I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Minister and the entire team at the Ministry of Agriculture. Today, we feel hopeful. Our struggle has not been in vain. Let’s keep this momentum going to ensure that local dairy farming flourishes. Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your insights and experiences. We look forward to seeing how this situation develops for you and your fellow farmers.