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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What challenges do you face as a dairy farmer in terms of milk absorption, and how has the recent ministerial meeting addressed these issues?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer and Collector**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. Firstly, can you tell us about the recent meeting mediated by the Minister of Agriculture?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. The meeting was pivotal for us dairy farmers. For weeks, we had been expressing our frustration about the milk absorption issues we were facing. When Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman facilitated this meeting, we finally felt our voices were being heard.
**Interviewer:** The protests, including the action where you threw milk, were quite dramatic. What prompted you to take such a step?
**Bayu:** It was a desperate measure. We’ve poured our hearts and livelihoods into our farms, and when the processing industry wasn’t absorbing our milk, we felt we had no choice. Our action aimed to highlight our plight and demand attention from the government and the industry.
**Interviewer:** How did you feel during and after the meeting, knowing your problems were being addressed?
**Bayu:** I couldn’t hold back my tears when I realized that the Minister, along with other officials, genuinely cared about our situation. It felt like we didn’t just have advocates, but a supportive ‘father’ figure in Agriculture. The commitment from the ministry to ensure the processing industry absorbs local milk is a huge relief.
**Interviewer:** What specific changes were discussed that you believe will help local farmers like you?
**Bayu:** The most significant change is the policy to require milk processing industries to prioritize local milk. Additionally, milk has been categorized as a Basic Necessity under Bapokting, which adds a layer of protection for us farmers. This means we have more security in our market and can plan better for the future.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like this is a turning point for dairy farming in your area. What do you hope to see moving forward?
**Bayu:** I hope this is just the beginning. Our livelihoods depend on support and viable markets for our products. We need ongoing dialog and commitment from the government to ensure these policies are effectively implemented and that local farmers are truly prioritized.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your story with us. It’s inspiring to see how your community has rallied for change.
**Bayu:** Thank you for allowing me to share our journey. We’re hopeful for our future.