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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What are the implications of the new policy mandating the milk processing industry to prioritize local milk for the future of dairy farming?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto: A Voice of Relief for Dairy Farmers**
*Location: Jakarta, Ministry of Agriculture Head Office*
*Date: November 11, 2024*
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. Can you share your feelings after the recent mediation by Minister of Agriculture Amran?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. I am truly overwhelmed with emotion after this meeting. As dairy farmers, we often feel isolated and unheard, but today felt different. It was as if we finally had a new father in farming who cares about our struggles. The Minister not only listened to our concerns but acted swiftly to address them.
**Editor:** What were some of the main issues that you and other farmers were facing before this meeting?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** We faced major challenges with the milk processing industry not absorbing enough of our local milk. Many farmers have struggled to make ends meet, which led to protests like the one where I dumped milk out of frustration. It felt like our hard work was going to waste, and our voices were falling on deaf ears.
**Editor:** How did the mediation meeting change the situation for you and other local farmers?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** During the meeting, we agreed on a policy mandating the milk processing industry to prioritize local milk. This was a huge relief for us. It means that our products will be given the attention they deserve, and we are no longer going to feel like our efforts are in vain. This policy, combined with the recognition of milk as a Basic Necessity, offers us stronger protections.
**Editor:** What impact do you think this policy will have on the future of dairy farming in your community?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** I believe this will revitalize dairy farming in our community. With guaranteed local milk absorption, farmers won’t have to worry about unsold products. We can invest in better practices and equipment because we now have a sense of security regarding our sales. This will encourage more people to enter the dairy sector, knowing they have government support.
**Editor:** It sounds like a significant step forward. Any final thoughts you would like to share with your fellow farmers or the public?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** I want to express my gratitude to Minister Amran and the government for hearing us. Today is a pivotal moment not just for us as dairy farmers, but for the agricultural sector as a whole. Let us work together to build a more sustainable future for all farmers.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your insights with us today. Your experience represents a crucial moment for many in the agricultural community.
*(End of Interview)*