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 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 did the government’s response and the meeting with Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman impact the future of dairy farming for Bayu Aji Handayanto and his community?
### Interview: Insights from Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer
**Host:** Welcome, Bayu Aji Handayanto, a dairy farmer from Pasuruan, who recently witnessed a significant breakthrough in the ongoing milk absorption issue. Thank you for joining us today.
**Bayu:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to share our experience.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. Can you tell us about the situation that led up to your protest, where you and other farmers felt compelled to dispose of milk?
**Bayu:** Absolutely. For some time, we faced an alarming situation where local dairy farmers were struggling to sell our milk due to inadequate absorption by processing industries. This led to an oversupply and subsequently, many of us felt we had no choice but to protest by dumping our milk, hoping to catch the government’s attention.
**Host:** Your protest certainly garnered attention. How did that culminate in the mediation with the Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman?
**Bayu:** After our disappointing protest, we were fortunate that the Minister took our situation seriously. He arranged a meeting with us, the dairy farmers, and representatives from the milk processing industry. His willingness to listen was a turning point for us.
**Host:** That must have been an emotional meeting. Could you describe how you felt when you realized the government was willing to help?
**Bayu:** It was overwhelming. When the Minister acknowledged our struggles and promised to enact policies requiring the processing industry to absorb our milk, I couldn’t hold back my tears. We felt like we were finally being heard, and for once, it seemed like we had a supportive figure—a ‘new father,’ if you will, in the world of cattle farming.
**Host:** What specific changes were agreed upon during that meeting?
**Bayu:** The most significant decision was the commitment that milk processing companies must prioritize the absorption of local milk. Moreover, milk was recognized as a Basic Necessity, which bolsters our rights and protections as farmers. This gives us hope for a more stable future.
**Host:** It sounds like the outcome exceeded your expectations. How do you see this affecting the future of dairy farming in your community?
**Bayu:** I believe this is just the beginning. If the government continues to support and listen to the needs of local farmers, we can improve our livelihoods immensely. This moment has not only strengthened our resolve but also reminded us that our voices matter in agricultural policy.
**Host:** what message do you hope to send to other farmers facing similar challenges?
**Bayu:** Never lose hope. It’s essential to unite and voice your concerns. The government is there to listen, and with perseverance, change is possible. We’ve proven that our struggles can lead to substantial action.
**Host:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your inspiring story. Your experience highlights the power of advocacy and community resilience in the agricultural sector.
**Bayu:** Thank you for having me. I hope this encourages others to stand strong and be heard.
