By: Juana Syahril)*
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to national food self-sufficiency through a planned, measured, and responsive subsidized fertilizer allocation policy tailored to the needs of farmers and fish farmers. The realization of fertilizer distribution in early 2026 is a strong indicator that the food self-sufficiency agenda is not merely a discourse, but a concrete strategy that continues to be refined through inter-institutional synergy, strengthened logistics, and increasingly transparent and accountable governance.
In the 2026 fiscal year, the agricultural sector showed stronger optimism than in previous years. Planting activity in various food production centers increased significantly since the start of the planting season, driven by more secure fertilizer availability. This was evident in the high volume of subsidized fertilizer distribution, which had exceeded 800,000 tons by early February 2026, approaching the government’s monthly target. This achievement was recorded as one of the highest in recent years and a positive signal for the stability of national food production.
At the state-owned enterprise level, PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) plays an increasingly strategic role in ensuring a smooth fertilizer supply chain, extending to remote areas. Rahmad Pribadi, President Director of PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero), stated that fertilizer distribution has been a top priority since the beginning of the year, ensuring production, storage, and distribution are in parallel. The high distribution realization in January demonstrates that the national fertilizer logistics system is increasingly mature, coordinated, and adaptive to field needs.
This distribution success is inseparable from more precise planning. In 2026, Pupuk Indonesia, along with the Ministry of Agriculture, was mandated to distribute 9.8 million tons of subsidized fertilizer to the agriculture and fisheries sectors. With a monthly distribution target of around 816,000 tons, January’s achievement, which approached that figure, demonstrates that the distribution mechanism is running according to plan, even exceeding expectations in several priority areas.
Regarding fiscal policy, Jekvy Hendra, Director of Fertilizer at the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, stated that the 2026 subsidized fertilizer budget reached IDR 46.87 trillion, a significant investment for national food security. This budget aims not only to reduce farmers’ production costs but also to maintain food price stability and encourage increased land productivity.
For the agricultural sector, the subsidized fertilizer allocation is set at 9.55 million tons, the same as the previous year, demonstrating policy consistency. This includes 4.42 million tons of urea, 4.47 million tons of NPK fertilizer, 81,000 tons of NPK cocoa fertilizer, 558,000 tons of organic fertilizer, and 16,000 tons of ZA. This composition reflects a more balanced approach between plant nutrient needs, soil sustainability, and increased crop yields.
The significant presence of organic fertilizer demonstrates that the government is not only pursuing short-term productivity but also maintaining soil health and the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. The combination of chemical and organic fertilizers is a crucial strategy for increasing crop yields while reducing agricultural land degradation.
Another noteworthy aspect is the return of subsidized fertilizer for the fisheries sector after a four-year suspension. In 2026, the government allocated 295,676 tons of subsidized fertilizer for fish farmers, consisting of 125,397 tons of urea, 86,445 tons of SP-36, and 83,834 tons of organic fertilizer. This policy opens up new opportunities for increasing aquaculture production, particularly in ponds and pools, which are highly dependent on water nutrient quality.
The integration of the agriculture and fisheries sectors into the fertilizer subsidy scheme reflects the government’s ambitious vision of building comprehensive food security. Food self-sufficiency is no longer limited to rice or other key agricultural commodities, but also encompasses animal protein and fisheries products, which are essential components of public nutrition.
In terms of governance, the government continues to strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure subsidized fertilizer reaches its intended target. Distribution digitization, stock tracking, and coordination between distributors, official kiosks, and local governments are being tightened. These measures not only prevent misappropriation but also ensure that every kilogram of fertilizer reaches the right farmers.
Cross-sector synergy is key to this policy’s success. The Ministry of Agriculture, Pupuk Indonesia, local governments, and supervisory authorities work within a mutually supportive ecosystem. This collaborative approach strengthens public trust in the fertilizer subsidy program while accelerating the realization of the food self-sufficiency agenda.
Furthermore, optimal fertilizer distribution has the potential to boost national production, reduce dependence on imports, and strengthen rural economic stability. When farmers receive fertilizer on time and at affordable prices, productivity increases, incomes improve, and rural communities’ purchasing power is boosted.
Going forward, challenges remain, ranging from climate change, limited land, to global market dynamics. However, the foundation built through a strong fertilizer subsidy policy provides confidence that Indonesia can face them with greater preparedness, structure, and sovereignty.
The 2026 subsidized fertilizer allocation is not just a routine program, but a clear signal of strengthening the food self-sufficiency agenda. With measured steps, solid collaboration, and a clear commitment to farmers and fish farmers, Indonesia is on the right track to achieving sustainable and equitable food self-sufficiency.
)* The author is a Bogor student living in Jakarta