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 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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What challenges do dairy farmers in Pasuruan face regarding milk processing and how have recent governmental meetings addressed these issues?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Collector from Pasuruan**
**Interviewer:** Bayu, thank you for joining us today. Can you share what led to the recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and why that was significant for you and your fellow dairy farmers?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. This meeting was crucial for us. As dairy farmers in Pasuruan, we faced significant challenges with the milk processing industry not absorbing our local milk. This issue drove us to protest, even resorting to throwing away milk to make our voices heard. When we were finally able to speak with Minister Amran, it felt like a breakthrough. Our concerns were acknowledged, and that meant everything to us.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned feeling emotional during the meeting. Can you explain why this response from the government was so impactful?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Absolutely. It’s hard to put into words, but when I stood there and saw the Minister of Agriculture, along with other high officials, truly listening to our struggles, I felt like we had a new father in the cattle farming world. For so long, we felt ignored. This was the first time our voices were not only heard but also taken seriously. It was incredibly moving to see real commitment from the government.
**Interviewer:** What specific outcomes came from this meeting that you are particularly grateful for?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** The most significant outcome was the agreement that the milk processing industry must absorb milk from local farmers. This policy is a game-changer for us. Additionally, milk being classified as a Basic Necessity under the new regulations means that we will have better protection and assurance for our livelihoods. It’s a huge relief and we are hopeful for the future.
**Interviewer:** Given this positive development, what are your hopes for the future of dairy farming in your community?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** I hope this marks the beginning of a stronger partnership between farmers and the milk processing industry. We need ongoing dialog to solve our issues collaboratively. With the government’s support, I believe we can improve the quality of life for all dairy farmers, not just in Pasuruan but across the country. Our fight for recognition has paid off, and now we must work together to ensure sustainable growth for our community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Bayu. It’s inspiring to hear about the positive changes coming for dairy farmers, and we wish you all the best moving forward!
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you! Your support means a lot to us.
