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 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 has the new policy on local milk absorption impacted the future prospects for dairy farmers in the region?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto: A Dairy Farmer’s Perspective on Recent Developments in Local Milk Absorption**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Bayu. You recently participated in a significant meeting with the Minister of Agriculture regarding the challenges faced by dairy farmers. Can you tell us about your experience during that meeting?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. It was an emotional day for all of us dairy farmers. When we gathered at the Ministry of Agriculture, it felt like we finally had a voice. I was deeply moved, especially when I realized that our struggles were being taken seriously by the government. The presence of the Minister of Agriculture and other high-ranking officials really underscored their commitment to supporting us.
**Editor:** You had previously protested by discarding milk. What prompted that decision, and how did it feel to see the government respond to your concerns?
**Bayu:** The protest was a desperate measure. We felt completely unheard as our milk was not being absorbed by the processing industry, and many of us were facing financial ruin. But when we met with the Minister and learned about the new policy mandating the absorption of local milk, I couldn’t hold back my tears. It felt like we had a new father in the world of cattle farming, someone who genuinely cares for our livelihoods.
**Editor:** You mentioned that this new policy is a significant step forward. How do you think it will impact you and other dairy farmers moving forward?
**Bayu:** This policy will make a world of difference for all of us. Knowing that our milk is now considered an essential good means that we will hopefully have stable prices and better protection against market fluctuations. It’s a huge relief and a positive sign that our industry will grow and that local farmers will thrive.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message do you want to share with other dairy farmers who are facing challenges?
**Bayu:** My message is to never lose hope. It can feel isolating and frustrating at times, but advocacy and unity among farmers can lead to significant changes. We must continue to speak out and ensure our voices are heard. Our recent experience shows that the government is listening, and there is potential for positive change.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your story, Bayu. It’s inspiring to hear how your efforts have led to tangible outcomes for the dairy farming community. We wish you and your fellow farmers all the best for the future.
**Bayu:** Thank you! Your support and coverage of our issues mean a lot to us.
