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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What were the key takeaways from Bayu Aji Handayanto’s experience during the mediation meeting with Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture that can inform other dairy farmers?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto: A Dairy Farmer’s Perspective on the Recent Mediation Success**
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Bayu Aji Handayanto, a dairy collector from Pasuruan, who recently participated in a meeting mediated by Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman. There has been significant discussion about local milk absorption and its impact on farmers. Thank you for joining us today, Bayu.
**Bayu:** Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to share our experiences.
**Editor:** The meeting you attended seems to have had a profound impact on you and your fellow farmers. Can you tell us about your feelings going into that meeting?
**Bayu:** Absolutely. Before the meeting, many of us felt desperate and unheard. We had even resorted to protesting by discarding milk to express our frustration. But when we were called to the Ministry, there was a mixture of hope and skepticism. I think many of us were not sure if our voices would truly be heard.
**Editor:** What transpired during the meeting that changed your perspective?
**Bayu:** It was incredibly emotional. Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman and other officials listened to us. They understood the challenges we faced with the milk processing industry not absorbing enough local milk. The fact that they took our concerns seriously brought tears to my eyes. It feels like we finally have someone advocating for us at a higher level.
**Editor:** It’s heartwarming to hear that. You mentioned that the Ministry agreed to a policy requiring the milk processing industry to absorb milk from local farmers. How important is this for you and your fellow farmers?
**Bayu:** This policy is a game-changer for us. It confirms that local milk is valued and not an afterthought. It also means more stability for us, as farmers, knowing that our hard work will be recognized and rewarded. Moreover, having milk classified as a Basic Necessity under government protection adds another layer of assurance for us.
**Editor:** You referred to the Minister as a “new father in the world of cattle farming.” Can you elaborate on that sentiment?
**Bayu:** Sure! For many farmers in villages, we often feel isolated and unsupported. The commitment shown by the Minister and his team has made us feel like we are part of a larger community, that our livelihood matters to the government. It’s comforting to know we have allies who care about our future.
**Editor:** Looking forward, what do you hope will happen next for the dairy farming community?
**Bayu:** I hope that this mediation is just the start. We need continued dialogue to ensure our needs are met and to foster a sustainable milk industry. Training and support for better farming practices would go a long way, as well as ongoing government transparency and engagement.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your heartfelt insights. Your resilience and determination for your community resonate greatly. We wish you and your fellow farmers all the best in the future.
**Bayu:** Thank you for the opportunity to speak. We appreciate the support!