GMM and BULOG Respond to Blora Sugarcane Farmers' Complaints Through Open Dialogue
Executives from PT Gendhis Multi Manis (GMM) and representatives from Perum BULOG met with Blora sugarcane farmers who staged a protest at the GMM Todanan Sugar Mill grounds. The protest was held due to dissatisfaction over the mill not purchasing their sugarcane.
GMM explained directly to the sugarcane farmers about the steps the company is taking to handle distribution and absorption of their sugarcane. The company has also undertaken various coordination measures to ensure the farmers’ grievances are conveyed in an orderly, safe, and conducive manner.
Before meeting the protesters, GMM management had held a dialogue with farmer representatives and stakeholders at the GMM office. During the meeting, all parties shared their views, aspirations, and feedback regarding the sugarcane farmers’ situation and the operations of the GMM sugar mill.
The dialogue was conducted openly and constructively to find joint solutions to the issues faced by Blora’s sugarcane farmers.
“The company understands the concerns and expectations of the farmers regarding the issues at hand. Therefore, we have established a field coordination team tasked with ensuring open communication channels, receiving and documenting submitted aspirations, and communicating developments and solutions to be addressed with relevant stakeholders,” said Acting President Director of PT GMM Sri Emilia Mudiyanti in a written statement on Monday, 1 June 2026.
Emilia added that the company is currently not operating the mill due to technical machinery issues. However, a team has been formed to assist in redirecting farmers’ sugarcane to other sugar mills in and around Blora to ensure the harvest is absorbed.
“We have formed a team to help absorb and redirect sugarcane to other sugar mills. Currently, we are also conducting data collection on regions that can assist in absorbing the farmers’ sugarcane,” Emilia added.
As part of Perum BULOG, Emilia emphasised that all steps and policies taken by PT GMM must undergo evaluation and governance in accordance with regulations. Currently, various handling and coordination efforts are ongoing with relevant parties.
GMM continues to maintain intensive communication with local government, security forces, sugarcane farmers’ associations, and relevant stakeholders in the national sugar trade. The company prioritises open dialogue and communication to address public feedback.
GMM believes that synergy between farmers, government, the sugar industry, and all stakeholders is key to maintaining national food security and improving the welfare of Indonesian sugarcane farmers.
The company will continue to maintain constructive communication, calm the situation, and encourage responsible and sustainable resolution of issues.
Meanwhile, BULOG representative Andin stated that her team has conducted initial data collection on farmers’ conditions and sugarcane distribution since last week. All aspirations and on-the-ground conditions will be further coordinated with central authorities to secure the best solution for Blora’s sugarcane farmers.
The dialogue was attended by Acting President Director of PT GMM Sri Emilia Mudiyanti, GMM Operational Director Krisna Murtiyanto, BULOG representative Andin, sugarcane farmer representatives Anton Sudibyo, Khoirul Anwar, Darmawan, and Mulyadi, along with Front Blora Selatan representatives.