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)
#Dairy #Farmers #Moved #Minister #Agriculture #Amran #Responds #Quickly #Milk #Polemic
### Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer and Advocate
### Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer and Advocate
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. The recent meeting you had with Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman seems to have made a significant impact on local dairy farmers. Can you tell us about your feelings during that meeting?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto**: Thank you for having me. It was an incredibly emotional experience for all of us. As a representative of dairy farmers in Pasuruan, I had taken part in protests, even going so far as to throw away milk, which was devastating. But during the meeting, I felt a real shift. It was heartwarming to see our concerns acknowledged and to meet with officials who were genuinely attentive to our needs. When Minister Amran responded positively, I was overcome with gratitude. I couldn’t hold back my tears.
**Interviewer**: It sounds like the government’s response exceeded your expectations. What specific decisions were made that you believe will benefit the farmers?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto**: Yes, during our discussions, the Ministry agreed to implement a policy requiring milk processors to absorb milk from local farmers. This is monumental for us because it ensures a steady market for our product. Furthermore, the inclusion of milk in the list of Basic Necessities and Important Goods strengthens our position and protection as local producers. This is a huge relief and gives us a sense of security in our livelihoods.
**Interviewer**: You referred to the Minister as a ’new father’ in the world of cattle farming. Can you elaborate on what you meant by that?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto**: When I said that, I meant that we finally feel supported and heard. For a long time, many farmers felt neglected, and our struggles seemed invisible to the authorities. Now, with the government stepping in and advocating for our interests, we feel like we have someone in our corner. This kind of attention is what we’ve long needed, and it truly feels like a protective presence for our community.
**Interviewer**: How do you foresee this change impacting the relationship between dairy farmers and the dairy processing industry in the long run?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto**: I believe this could significantly improve our relationship with the industry. With the government backing us, it’ll foster better communication and cooperation. It’s essential for both sides to understand each other’s challenges and work together for a sustainable future. If the processing industry sees the value in supporting local farmers, it could lead to innovation and growth for everyone involved.
**Interviewer**: what message would you like to convey to other farmers who may be struggling in similar situations?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto**: I want to tell my fellow farmers not to lose hope. It’s crucial to stand firm and express your concerns. Change is possible when we advocate for ourselves and come together as a community. Our voices matter, and with persistence, we can achieve the support we need from our government.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your experiences and insights with us. We wish you and all dairy farmers continued success.
**Bayu Aji Handayanto**: Thank you for having me. I’m hopeful for our future!
