The Indonesian government is accelerating the distribution of subsidized fertilizers to farmers by simplifying regulations.
This was conveyed by Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman during a meeting with Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Wednesday.
“We are changing the regulations," he said. "Previously, there were 145 regulations, and 12 ministries were involved in managing fertilizers, along with district heads and governors.”
Sulaiman said that simplifying regulations will streamline the distribution process. Previously, regions could not receive subsidized fertilizers without the approval of district heads or governors.
According to the minister, President Prabowo Subianto has approved the regulation that will be enacted soon.
"The other 11 ministries (except the Ministry of Agriculture) will no longer be involved (in regulating fertilizer distribution)," he said.
Once approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, state-run Pupuk Indonesia will directly distribute subsidized fertilizers to the Farmers' Group Association (Gapoktan), retailers or distributors, and finally to farmers.
In addition, the government has increased the subsidized fertilizer quota from 4.7 million tons to 9.55 million tons.
During the meeting, Commission IV chairperson Siti Hediati Soeharto noted that her commission often receives complaints from farmers about difficulty obtaining subsidized fertilizers when needed.
To address this, attention must be given to data accuracy, coordination between central and regional institutions, regulatory concerns, and the distribution process.
"Commission IV wants to get an explanation of the preparations and readiness of each agency about subsidized fertilizer issues that can hinder the government's efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency," she added.
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Translator: Martha Herlinawati, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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