President Prabowo Ensures Distribution of Subsidized Fertilizer is Faster and More Targeted
By: Arsenio Bagas Pamungkas )*
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the distribution of subsidized fertilizers runs faster and more precisely. Concrete steps have been taken by simplifying the distribution scheme which has often been a major obstacle for farmers.
Since the beginning of 2025, the government has recorded success in distributing subsidized fertilizers on time, an achievement that previously often experienced technical and administrative obstacles.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman said that President Prabowo’s attention to the agricultural sector is very great, as evidenced by the various stimuli given to farmers.
The government not only distributes fertilizers more efficiently, but also designs an easier redemption scheme. If previously farmers had to go through a long procedure, now they can redeem fertilizers simply by using their ID cards at official kiosks. With this system, distribution becomes more transparent and faster, so farmers can use it immediately without having to wait a long time.
Decree of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 644/KPTS/SR.310/M.11/2024 is the main basis for the allocation of subsidized fertilizers this year. A total of 9.5 million tons of fertilizer were allocated to farmers in various sub-sectors, including food crops, horticulture, and plantations.
The maximum area of land entitled to subsidized fertilizer is two hectares, including farmers who are members of the Forest Village Community Institution (LMDH) and Social Forestry. The government ensures that this distribution will continue to be monitored to ensure that it remains in accordance with the needs in the field.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono added that this step is in line with the government’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency. The main focus is not only on rice, but also on other commodities that still depend on imports, such as sugar, soybeans, and meat.
The government is targeting more independent food security by ensuring that all components in the agricultural sector, including fertilizers, seeds, and irrigation infrastructure, are available in sufficient quantities. This effort is also supported by the distribution of agricultural tools and machinery more evenly to various regions.
In the first three months of the Prabowo-Gibran administration, the impact of this policy began to be felt. National food production has increased significantly, reducing dependence on imports.
World rice prices have even decreased due to reduced demand from Indonesia. This shows that the government’s strategy in managing the agricultural sector has produced positive results in a short time.
Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan also emphasized that the success of accelerating the distribution of subsidized fertilizers cannot be separated from the reduction of bureaucracy which has been the main obstacle.
Previously, fertilizer distribution had to go through various administrative stages, including Decrees from the Regent, Governor, and Minister of Trade. This long process often caused delays in distribution. The government has now simplified the flow, ensuring that fertilizers go directly to farmers without complicated procedures.
Optimizing agricultural land is also a major focus in efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency. The new rice field program, which has been started in several regions such as Merauke and Kalimantan, is expected to significantly increase the area of planted land. In addition, the development of irrigation infrastructure has also been strengthened to ensure a stable water supply for agricultural land.
Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the agricultural sector contributed 13.71% to national economic growth in the third quarter of 2024. This figure makes the agricultural sector an important pillar in the Indonesian economy, in second place after the processing industry.
With policies that increasingly facilitate farmers’ access to fertilizer and other production facilities, the productivity of this sector is predicted to continue to increase in the next few years.
Farmers in various regions have welcomed the government’s steps to accelerate the distribution of subsidized fertilizers. They have directly felt the benefits of this new policy, where fertilizers can be obtained more easily and without excessive administrative obstacles. With the availability of fertilizers on time, they can start the planting season earlier and optimize the harvest.
The government is targeting Indonesia to achieve food self-sufficiency by 2027, faster than the initial plan set in 2028. With the strategies that have been implemented, this target is becoming more realistic to achieve.
Accelerating the distribution of subsidized fertilizers is one of the key elements in realizing this ideal. This success not only affects national food security, but also opens up opportunities for Indonesia to become the world’s food barn in the future.
Policy implemented under President Prabowo’s leadership has shown concrete results and has had a direct impact on farmers. With a more efficient distribution system, agricultural productivity has increased, and national food security has become stronger.
All of these steps confirm that under Prabowo’s leadership, Indonesia’s agricultural sector is not only developing, but is also increasingly ready to face global challenges in the future. (*)
)* The author is a contributor to the Persada Institute
