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 changes can dairy farmers in Indonesia expect after the recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto: A Voice for Dairy Farmers in Indonesia**
*Host:* Welcome, Bayu Aji Handayanto, a prominent figure representing dairy farmers, especially after the recent mediation efforts by the Minister of Agriculture. Thank you for joining us today.
*Bayu:* Thank you for having me! It’s an honor to share our story.
*Host:* You recently participated in a significant meeting facilitated by Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman. Can you share your initial feelings when you learned the minister would be meeting with dairy farmers?
*Bayu:* I was overwhelmed with hope. The struggles and frustrations we’ve faced were finally being acknowledged at a governmental level. When the minister and his team sat down with us, it felt like for the first time our voices genuinely mattered.
*Host:* There was a notable moment of emotional release during the meeting, especially after you had protested by discarding milk. What was going through your mind at that moment?
*Bayu:* It was a mix of relief and gratitude. All our protests had been about children who go hungry and livelihoods that were at stake. To have our needs and concerns heard was profoundly moving. I couldn’t hold back my tears. It felt like finally being seen and respected as essential contributors to society.
*Host:* Can you explain what changes were agreed upon during the meeting regarding the local milk absorption policies?
*Bayu:* Yes, the ministry agreed to enforce a policy mandating the milk processing industry to absorb local milk from farmers. This is huge for us as it ensures that we have a guaranteed market for our products. Plus, milk has been classified as a Basic Necessity, which adds an extra layer of protection for our livelihoods.
*Host:* How do you think this new policy will impact the future of dairy farmers in your community?
*Bayu:* This policy signifies a new beginning. It gives us stability and confidence to invest again in our farms. We hope it encourages more people to join the industry, knowing that there is support from the government. Our collective strength comes from being united and verified as essential to the country’s food security.
*Host:* What message do you want to send to other dairy farmers who may feel discouraged?
*Bayu:* Don’t lose hope! Change is possible when we stand together and make our voices heard. The recent events show that the government is willing to listen, so let’s continue advocating for our rights. It’s a powerful reminder that unity can lead to significant outcomes.
*Host:* Thank you, Bayu, for your insightful thoughts and for representing the voice of your community so passionately. We look forward to seeing how these developments unfold for dairy farmers in Indonesia.
*Bayu:* Thank you for providing a platform for our story. Together, we can make a difference!
