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 about 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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How does Bayu Aji Handayanto believe the new policies about local milk absorption will impact the future of dairy farming in their community?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto: Dairy Farmer and Advocate for Local Milk Production**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. Many farmers have expressed their gratitude in light of the recent developments regarding local milk absorption. Can you share how you felt during the mediation meeting with the Minister of Agriculture?
*Bayu Aji Handayanto:* Thank you for having me. The meeting was incredibly emotional for me and my fellow farmers. When our voices were finally heard by Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman and his team, it felt like we had a new supporter in our struggle—like we gained a new father in the farming community. I couldn’t help but cry tears of relief and gratitude.
*Interviewer:* That’s powerful to hear. You’ve previously participated in protests, including the dramatic action of throwing milk. What motivated those actions, and how did it feel to see a resolution now?
*Bayu Aji Handayanto:* We were pushed to our limits. When we protested, it was a last resort to make our issues known—specifically, the lack of support for local milk farmers. Seeing the Minister take swift action and address our concerns was a turning point. We felt our struggle was finally recognized and validated.
*Interviewer:* The Ministry of Agriculture has agreed to policies requiring the milk processing industry to absorb more local milk. What impact do you think this will have on farmers like yourself?
*Bayu Aji Handayanto:* This is monumental for us. It not only ensures that our milk will be utilized, but it also adds a layer of protection for local farmers by recognizing milk as a basic necessity. This should stabilize our income and encourage others to invest in dairy farming, which is critical for our communities.
*Interviewer:* It sounds like there’s a renewed sense of hope among dairy farmers. What are the next steps for you and your colleagues following this breakthrough?
*Bayu Aji Handayanto:* We need to stay united and ensure that the agreements are implemented effectively. We will also work closely with the government to monitor the changes and continue to advocate for our interests. Our struggle doesn’t end here; it is just beginning, and we must build on this success.
*Interviewer:* Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Bayu. It’s inspiring to see how collective action can lead to meaningful dialogue and change.
*Bayu Aji Handayanto:* Thank you for covering our story. We hope this inspires other farmers to speak up and advocate for their rights as well.
