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 do the new policies regarding milk absorption by the processing industry impact the stability of dairy farming in Bayu Aji Handayanto’s community?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto: A Dairy Farmer’s Perspective on Recent Developments**
**Interviewer**: Welcome, Bayu Aji Handayanto. Thank you for joining us today. You’ve recently participated in a significant meeting mediated by Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman. Can you tell us what this meeting meant for you and your fellow farmers?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto**: Thank you for having me. This meeting was incredibly important for us. As a representative of dairy farmers, I felt that our voices were finally being heard. The Minister’s willingness to engage directly with us about our struggles and concerns about milk absorption by the processing industry was incredibly moving. We’ve been fighting for better support and conditions for local farmers, and this meeting felt like a turning point.
**Interviewer**: You organized a protest that involved throwing away milk to highlight your grievances. How did it feel to see the government respond to those actions?
**Bayu**: It was emotional, to say the least. When we took to the streets, we did so out of desperation. Seeing our actions translate into tangible results was overwhelming. I truly felt like our struggle was not in vain. Thanks to the Minister and his team, who not only listened but also acted upon our needs, we now have a policy that requires the milk processing industry to prioritize local farmers. This is a huge victory for all of us.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned feeling like you have a “new father” in the world of cattle farming. What do you mean by that?
**Bayu**: It reflects the sense of care and support we’ve received from the government’s response. Often, farmers feel abandoned and overlooked, but now we feel warranted attention. The Minister of Agriculture, along with the involvement of other governmental figures, has shown us that we do matter. This renewed support gives us hope for the future of our profession and our livelihoods.
**Interviewer**: There are new policies in place now regarding the milk processing industry’s obligation to absorb milk from local farmers. How do you think this will impact the dairy farming landscape in your community?
**Bayu**: This change is crucial. By ensuring that local farmers’ milk is absorbed, we can stabilize our incomes and continue our operations without fear of wastage or financial loss. Additionally, since milk is categorized as a Basic Necessity, we believe this will further secure our rights and enhance our economic conditions. It’s an empowering step that will build a stronger agricultural community.
**Interviewer**: what message do you have for other farmers who may be facing similar challenges?
**Bayu**: Don’t lose hope and keep fighting for your rights. It’s important to organize and make your voices heard. Change is possible, as we’ve just experienced. Engage with your local representatives, and know that actions have the potential to lead to meaningful dialog and solutions. We are all in this together.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your insights. It’s inspiring to hear about the positive developments in the dairy farming sector.
**Bayu**: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep sharing our stories.
