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 from the Minister of Agriculture impacted local dairy farmers according to Bayu?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto: Dairy Farmer and Advocate for Local Milk Producers**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. You recently participated in a significant meeting with the Minister of Agriculture regarding local milk production. Can you describe how you felt during that meeting?
**Bayu:** Thank you for having me. It was an overwhelming experience for all of us dairy farmers. I felt a wave of emotions, especially when our struggles were acknowledged. I actually shed tears of joy because it felt like we finally had someone who truly listened to our concerns.
**Editor:** That’s very moving, Bayu. What specific issues were you and your fellow farmers facing that prompted the meeting?
**Bayu:** For a long time, we had been struggling with the lack of local milk absorption by the processing industry. Many of us felt ignored, and our livelihoods were at stake. My protest of discarding milk was a desperate measure to show how dire our situation had become. The meeting was our opportunity to voice these issues, and we are grateful that it was taken seriously.
**Editor:** It sounds like the response from the government was heartfelt. What kind of assurances did you receive during the meeting?
**Bayu:** The Minister of Agriculture announced a new policy that mandates the milk processing industry to prioritize absorbing milk from local farmers. This is a significant win for us, especially since milk is recognized as a Basic Necessity. It gives us hope for stability and protection as local producers.
**Editor:** How do you think this policy change will impact the dairy farming community in your area?
**Bayu:** This policy is a game changer. It not only helps secure our income but also strengthens the position of local dairy farmers in the market. We are now seen as vital contributors to the economy, and this recognition will encourage more young people to enter dairy farming, ensuring the sustainability of our community.
**Editor:** what message would you like to convey to other dairy farmers who might be facing similar challenges?
**Bayu:** Keep fighting for your rights and don’t lose hope. Unity is our strength. When we stand together and make our voices heard, change is possible. Our recent experience has shown that the government can listen and respond—we just need to keep pushing for what’s right.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your inspiring story. We wish you and your fellow farmers the best of luck moving forward.
